VEGF-A Antibody – Rat Monoclonal

This gene product is a member of the PDGF/VEGF growth factor family. It is a mitogen that specifically acts on endothelial cells and has various effects, including mediating increased vascular permeability, inducing angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, endothelial cell growth, promoting cell migration, and inhibiting apoptosis. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. Also, alternative translation initiation from non-AUG (CUG) and AUG start sites in some transcript variants, give rise to additional isoforms. The expression of some isoforms derived from AUG start codon is affected by a small upstream open reading frame, which is located within an internal ribosome entry site. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2013]

Function: Growth factor active in angiogenesis, vasculogenesis and endothelial cell growth. Induces endothelial cell proliferation, promotes cell migration, inhibits apoptosis and induces permeabilization of blood vessels. Binds to the FLT1/VEGFR1 and KDR/VEGFR2 receptors, heparan sulfate and heparin. May play a role in increasing vascular permeability during lactation, when increased transport of molecules from the blood is required for efficient milk protein synthesis

By similarity.

Subunit structure: Homodimer; disulfide-linked. Also found as heterodimer with PGF

By similarity.

Subcellular location: Isoform VEGF-1: Secreted. Isoform VEGF-2: Secreted. Isoform VEGF-3: Cell membrane; Peripheral membrane protein. Note: Remains cell-surface associated unless released by heparin.

Tissue specificity: In developing embryos, expressed mainly in the choroid plexus, paraventricular neuroepithelium, placenta and kidney glomeruli. Also found in bronchial epithelium, adrenal gland and in seminiferous tubules of testis. High expression of VEGF continues in kidney glomeruli and choroid plexus in adults.

Developmental stage: Levels increase during pregnancy (maximum 5.5-fold at 5 days) and a more marked increase occurs during lactation (maximal 9.7-fold at 7 days). Levels decrease progressively during the phase of involution. Ref.9

Induction: By IL-6 and FSH in vitro. Ref.10

Domain: Isoform VEGF-3 contains a basic insert which acts as a cell retention signal.

Sequence similarities: Belongs to the PDGF/VEGF growth factor family.

Sequence caution: The sequence AAH61468.1 differs from that shown. Reason: Erroneous initiation.