VEGF Antibody

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a signal protein that stimulates the formation of blood vessels. It is a crucial regulator of both physiological and pathological angiogenesis. VEGF is produced by cells to promote the growth of new blood vessels during embryonic development, after injury, in response to muscle exercise, and to bypass blocked vessels. However, it also plays a significant role in diseases such as cancer, where it can promote the growth of blood vessels that supply nutrients to tumors.

The discovery of VEGF dates back to the 1980s when it was identified as a factor that could increase vascular permeability and was initially named Vascular Permeability Factor (VPF). Subsequent research revealed its role in angiogenesis, leading to its renaming as VEGF. The identification of VEGF marked a significant milestone in understanding the mechanisms of blood vessel formation.

VEGF is an endothelial cell-specific mitogen in vitro and an angiogenic inducer in various in vivo models. Hypoxia, or low oxygen levels, is a major inducer of VEGF gene transcription. The tyrosine kinases Flt-1 (VEGFR-1) and Flk-1/KDR (VEGFR-2) are high-affinity VEGF receptors. The role of VEGF in developmental angiogenesis is emphasized by the finding that loss of a single VEGF allele results in defective vascularization and early embryonic lethality .

VEGF has several critical activities:

• Mitogenesis and Angiogenesis: VEGF promotes the proliferation of endothelial cells and the formation of new blood vessels.
• Endothelial Survival: It supports the survival of endothelial cells.
• Bone Marrow Cells and Hematopoiesis: VEGF affects bone marrow cells and the formation of blood cells.
• Vascular Permeability: It enhances vascular permeability and has hemodynamic effects.

VEGF exists in multiple isoforms, which are produced through alternative splicing of its mRNA. These isoforms have different properties and roles in angiogenesis and vascular permeability.

VEGF gene expression is regulated by various factors:

• Oxygen Tension: Hypoxia is a significant inducer of VEGF expression.
• Growth Factors, Hormones, and Oncogenes: These can also regulate VEGF expression.

VEGF exerts its effects through binding to its receptors:

• VEGFR-1 (Flt-1): This receptor has a high affinity for VEGF but a lower kinase activity.
• VEGFR-2 (KDR/Flk-1): This receptor mediates most of the endothelial cell responses to VEGF.
• Neuropilin-1 and Neuropilin-2: These co-receptors enhance the binding of VEGF to its primary receptors.

VEGF is critical for various physiological processes:

• Embryonic and Postnatal Development: It is essential for the formation of the vascular system during development.
• Skeletal Growth and Endochondral Bone Formation: VEGF plays a role in bone growth and development.
• Angiogenesis in Endocrine Glands: It is involved in the formation of blood vessels in endocrine glands.

VEGF is implicated in several pathological conditions:

• Solid Tumors: VEGF promotes the growth of blood vessels that supply nutrients to tumors.
• Hematological Malignancies: It is involved in the angiogenesis associated with blood cancers.
• Intraocular Neovascular Syndromes: VEGF contributes to diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration.
• Inflammatory Disorders and Brain Edema: It plays a role in the vascular changes associated with inflammation and brain swelling.
• Pathology of the Female Reproductive Tract: VEGF is involved in conditions affecting the female reproductive system.

Anti-VEGF therapies have been developed to treat various conditions:

• Cancer: Anti-VEGF monoclonal antibodies, such as bevacizumab (Avastin), are used to inhibit tumor growth by blocking blood vessel formation.
• Ocular Diseases: VEGF inhibitors are used to treat conditions like age-related macular degeneration.

Mouse anti-human VEGF antibodies are used in research and therapeutic applications to study and inhibit VEGF activity. These antibodies can bind to human VEGF and block its interaction with its receptors, thereby inhibiting its angiogenic effects. They are valuable tools in cancer research and the development of anti-angiogenic therapies .