Introduction
VEGF-C, alternatively known as Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Related Protein (VRP), is a recently identified member of the VEGF growth factor family. It shares a close relationship with VEGF-D. The human VEGF-C cDNA encodes a precursor protein consisting of 416 amino acids, demonstrating near-identicality to its murine counterpart. Similar to VEGF-D, VEGF-C possesses a VEGF homology domain located within the central third of the precursor molecule, flanked by extended N- and C-terminal regions. In adult tissues, VEGF-C exhibits high expression levels in the heart, placenta, ovary, and small intestine. When the N- and C-terminal extensions are absent, recombinant human VEGF-C, encompassing solely the central VEGF homology domain, predominantly forms non-covalently linked dimers. This protein interacts with both VEGFR-2/KDR and VEGFR-3/FLT-4 receptors. The prominent expression of VEGFR-3 in lymphatic endothelial cells suggests a role for VEGF-C in regulating lymphatic endothelium growth and/or differentiation. Although recombinant human VEGF-C demonstrates mitogenic activity in vascular endothelial cells, its potency is notably lower compared to VEGF-A.
Description
Recombinant Human VEGFC, produced in transfected human cells, is a single polypeptide chain comprising 204 amino acids (residues 32-227). The protein includes an 8 amino acid His-tag fused at the C-terminus and is purified using proprietary chromatographic methods.
Physical Appearance
White, lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, sterile-filtered.
Formulation
VEGFC was lyophilized from a 0.2 µM filtered solution containing 20mM Tris-HCl and 150mM NaCl at pH 7.2.
Solubility
For reconstitution, it is recommended to dissolve the lyophilized VEGFC in 1xPBS to achieve a concentration of at least 100 µg/ml. This solution can be further diluted into other aqueous solutions as needed.
Stability
Lyophilized VEGFC remains stable at room temperature for up to 3 weeks; however, it is recommended to store it desiccated at a temperature below -18°C. After reconstitution, VEGFC can be stored at 4°C for 2-7 days. For long-term storage, it should be kept at -18°C. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided.
Purity
The purity is determined to be greater than 95% as assessed by SDS-PAGE analysis.
Synonyms
VEGF-C, Vascular endothelial growth factor C, VRP, Flt4 ligand, Flt4-L, Vascular endothelial growth factor-related protein, VEGFC.
Amino Acid Sequence
FESGLDLSDAEPDAGEATAYASKDLEEQLRSVSSVDELMTVLYPEYWKMYK
CQLRKGGWQHNREQANLNSRTEETIKFAAAHYNTEILKSIDNEWRKTQCMP
REVCIDVGKEFGVATNTFFKPPCVSVYRCGGCCNSEGQCMNTSTSYLSKTLF
EITVPLSQGPKPVTISFANHTSCRCMSKLDVYRQVHSIIRRVDHHHHHH.
