Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor D (VEGF-D) is a member of the VEGF family, which plays a crucial role in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. VEGF-D is a protein encoded by the VEGFD gene and is involved in the formation of blood and lymphatic vessels. This article delves into the structure, function, and significance of VEGF-D, particularly focusing on its recombinant form used in research and therapeutic applications.
VEGF-D binds to and induces dimerization and tyrosine autophosphorylation of its endothelial cell-specific receptors, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 . VEGFR-2 signals stimulate endothelial sprouting, proliferation, and survival, as well as vascular permeability. VEGFR-3 signals stimulate similar processes in lymphatic endothelial cells . Unlike VEGF-A and VEGF-C, which are indispensable for embryonic vascular development, VEGF-D can be deleted without any obvious phenotype . However, recombinant VEGF-D is capable of inducing angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in several experimental conditions, suggesting its potential therapeutic utility in regenerative medicine .
Recombinant human VEGF-D is produced using various expression systems, including bacterial, yeast, and mammalian cells. The recombinant form is used extensively in research to study its biological activities and potential therapeutic applications. The production process typically involves cloning the VEGFD gene into an expression vector, transforming the host cells, and purifying the expressed protein.
VEGF-D has been shown to promote the growth of blood and lymphatic vessels, making it a key player in both physiological and pathological angiogenesis. It is involved in processes such as wound healing, tissue repair, and tumor growth. VEGF-D’s ability to induce angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis makes it a potential target for therapeutic interventions in diseases characterized by abnormal vessel growth, such as cancer and lymphedema .
The therapeutic potential of VEGF-D lies in its ability to modulate angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. In regenerative medicine, recombinant VEGF-D could be used to promote tissue repair and regeneration. Additionally, VEGF-D-targeted therapies are being explored for their potential to inhibit tumor growth by blocking the formation of new blood vessels that supply nutrients to tumors .