Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor 121 (VEGF121) is a significant isoform of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGFA) family. VEGF121 is a potent angiogenic factor that plays a crucial role in the formation of blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis. This article delves into the background, structure, function, and applications of VEGF121, particularly focusing on its recombinant form expressed in Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) 293 cells.
VEGF121 is one of the several isoforms of VEGFA, which also includes VEGF165 and others. These isoforms arise due to alternative splicing of the VEGFA gene. VEGF121 is characterized by its smaller size compared to other isoforms, with a molecular mass of approximately 37 kDa as a homodimer and 50 kDa as a homotrimer . The recombinant form of VEGF121 expressed in HEK 293 cells is glycosylated, which contributes to its stability and functionality in various biological applications .
VEGF121 is a critical player in angiogenesis, promoting the proliferation, migration, and survival of endothelial cells. It binds to specific receptors on the surface of endothelial cells, primarily VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, initiating a cascade of signaling pathways that lead to the formation of new blood vessels . This process is vital for normal physiological functions such as wound healing and the menstrual cycle, as well as pathological conditions like tumor growth and metastasis .
The recombinant form of VEGF121 is produced in HEK 293 cells, which are human embryonic kidney cells widely used in biotechnology for protein expression. The use of HEK 293 cells ensures that the recombinant protein undergoes proper post-translational modifications, including glycosylation, which is essential for its stability and activity . The production process involves the insertion of the VEGFA gene into the HEK 293 cells, followed by the purification of the expressed protein to achieve high purity levels suitable for research and therapeutic applications .
VEGF121 has numerous applications in both research and clinical settings. In research, it is used to study angiogenesis and related signaling pathways. It is also employed in cell culture systems to promote the growth and maintenance of endothelial cells . Clinically, VEGF121 and its analogs are explored for their potential in treating conditions that require enhanced blood vessel formation, such as ischemic diseases and wound healing . Additionally, VEGF121 is being investigated for its role in cancer therapy, as inhibiting its activity can potentially reduce tumor growth and metastasis .