VEGFC Human, Sf9
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C (VEGF-C) is a member of the VEGF family, which plays a crucial role in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. VEGF-C is particularly significant for its ability to promote the growth of lymphatic vessels. It acts primarily on lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) through its receptor VEGFR-3, promoting their survival, growth, and migration .
Human VEGF-C cDNA encodes a pre-pro-protein consisting of 416 amino acid residues. The protein is highly homologous to its mouse counterpart. VEGF-C contains a VEGF homology domain in the middle third of the precursor molecule, flanked by long N- and C-terminal extensions . In adults, VEGF-C is highly expressed in the heart, placenta, ovary, and small intestine .
Recombinant VEGF-C is produced using the Sf9 insect cell expression system. This recombinant form lacks the N- and C-terminal extensions and includes only the middle VEGF homology domain. It forms primarily non-covalently linked dimers .
The recombinant VEGF-C produced in Sf9 cells is a single, glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 125 amino acids (112-227a.a.) and has a molecular mass of approximately 14.2 kDa. It is expressed with a 6 amino acid His-tag at the C-terminal end and purified using proprietary chromatographic techniques .
VEGF-C is a ligand for both VEGFR-2/KDR and VEGFR-3/FLT-4 receptors. VEGFR-3 is strongly expressed in lymphatic endothelial cells, suggesting that VEGF-C is involved in the regulation of lymphatic endothelium growth and differentiation . Although VEGF-C is also a mitogen for vascular endothelial cells, it is less potent than VEGF-A .
Recombinant VEGF-C is used primarily for laboratory research purposes. It is supplied as a sterile filtered, lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder or as a colorless solution. The lyophilized form should be reconstituted in sterile water and can be further diluted in aqueous solutions .
The stability of VEGF-C is maintained at room temperature for up to three weeks in its lyophilized form. Upon reconstitution, it should be stored at 4°C for 2-7 days and for longer periods below -18°C to prevent freeze-thaw cycles .
