Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a critical signaling protein involved in the processes of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. It primarily affects cells of the vascular endothelium, promoting the growth of new blood vessels. VEGF is also known for its role in increasing vascular permeability and is sometimes referred to as Vascular Permeability Factor (VPF).
VEGF is a glycosylated protein that exists in several isoforms due to alternative splicing of its mRNA. The mouse recombinant VEGF produced in Sf9 insect cells is a double, glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 164 amino acids and has a molecular mass of approximately 48 kDa . This recombinant form is produced using a baculovirus expression system in Sf9 insect cells, which allows for proper folding and post-translational modifications.
VEGF plays a pivotal role in both physiological and pathological angiogenesis. It mediates increased vascular permeability, induces angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, promotes endothelial cell growth, and inhibits apoptosis. In vitro studies have shown that VEGF stimulates endothelial cell mitogenesis and cell migration . It is also a vasodilator and increases microvascular permeability.
Recombinant VEGF is widely used in research to study its effects on various cell types, including endothelial cells, neurons, cancer cells, and kidney epithelial cells. It is also used in assays to investigate the mechanisms of angiogenesis and to screen for potential inhibitors of VEGF signaling pathways .
The mouse recombinant VEGF produced in Sf9 cells is purified using proprietary chromatographic techniques to achieve a purity greater than 95% . The protein is typically lyophilized and can be reconstituted in sterile water for experimental use. It is recommended to store the lyophilized protein desiccated below -18°C for long-term stability .
Elevated levels of VEGF are associated with various pathological conditions, including proliferative and non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and POEMS syndrome (also known as Crow-Fukase syndrome). Understanding the role of VEGF in these conditions can help in developing targeted therapies to modulate its activity .