CultureGro™ Human VEGF 165 Animal-Free Recombinant Protein

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), a vital glycoprotein composed of two identical units, each weighing 45 kDa and connected by disulfide bonds. It is pivotal in angiogenesis, which is essential for tumor growth and the spread of cancer. VEGF notably influences vascular endothelium by supporting endothelial cell survival, stimulating cell division, attracting cells (chemotaxis), and enhancing the ability of blood vessels to permeate substances. The VEGF family includes several members: VEGF-A through E and PlGF, all of which are key to the regulation of angiogenesis via cell signaling.

This process is critical for virtually all tumors, with VEGF being the most significant cytokine driving angiogenesis. The production of five VEGF isoforms through the alternative splicing of a single VEGF gene allows for their interaction with two specific receptors, flt-1 (VEGFR-1) and flk-1/KDR (VEGFR-2), which are mainly found on endothelial cells. These interactions are crucial for the formation of blood vessels during embryonic development. The tyrosine kinases FLK1 and FLT1, alongside VEGF, play indispensable roles in this developmental stage.

Furthermore, soluble FLT1 acts as a natural inhibitor of angiogenesis by binding to VEGF with high affinity. High levels of VEGF are associated with POEMS syndrome, also known as Crow-Fukase syndrome, a complex condition that affects multiple organs across the body.