VEGF-C ELISA

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-C (VEGF-C): Overview and Functions

Introduction: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-C (VEGF-C) is a member of the VEGF family of cytokines, which are critical for the development and maintenance of the vascular and lymphatic systems. VEGF-C plays a key role in both angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, impacting various physiological and pathological processes.

Biological Roles:

1. Lymphangiogenesis:
• Mitogen for Lymphatic Endothelial Cells: VEGF-C is a primary growth factor for lymphatic endothelial cells. It binds to its receptor VEGFR3 (also known as FLT4), promoting the proliferation and survival of these cells, which are essential for the formation and function of lymphatic vessels.
• Regulation of Lymphatic System: By stimulating lymphangiogenesis, VEGF-C helps maintain the lymphatic system's role in fluid homeostasis, immune surveillance, and lipid absorption.
2. Angiogenesis:
• Similarities with VEGF: While VEGF-C primarily targets lymphatic endothelial cells, it also has angiogenic effects similar to other VEGF family members. It can stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, albeit less prominently than its well-known counterpart VEGF-A.
• VEGFR2 Activation: In addition to VEGFR3, VEGF-C can activate VEGFR2, a receptor primarily associated with blood vessel growth, though its effects in this regard are less pronounced.
3. Cancer Biology:
• Hematological Malignancies: VEGF-C is implicated in several hematological cancers, including leukemia. It acts as a survival factor, supporting the proliferation and survival of leukemia cells.
• Autocrine Loops: The interaction between VEGF-C and its receptors can create autocrine loops within cancer cells, promoting their growth and resistance to apoptosis.
• Gastrointestinal Malignancies: In gastrointestinal tract cancers, VEGF-C expression is associated with lymphatic invasion, indicating its role in facilitating metastasis through the lymphatic system.
• Lymph Node Metastasis: High levels of VEGF-C expression are linked to increased lymph node metastasis, contributing to poorer prognoses in cancer patients.
• Survival Rates: Elevated VEGF-C levels often correlate with decreased survival rates in various cancer types due to its role in promoting tumor spread and lymphatic involvement.

Clinical Relevance:

1. Diagnostic and Prognostic Marker:
• Cancer Monitoring: Elevated VEGF-C levels can serve as a biomarker for cancer progression and prognosis. Monitoring VEGF-C expression may provide insights into disease severity and treatment response.
2. Therapeutic Target:
• Anti-Cancer Therapy: Given its role in promoting cancer progression, VEGF-C and its signaling pathways are potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Inhibitors that block VEGF-C or its receptors may help reduce tumor growth and metastasis.

Conclusion: VEGF-C is a crucial regulator of lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis, with significant roles in both normal physiology and disease pathology. Its involvement in cancer, particularly in supporting tumor growth and metastasis through lymphatic and blood vessels, highlights its importance as a diagnostic and therapeutic target. Understanding VEGF-C's functions and mechanisms provides valuable insights into its potential applications in cancer treatment and other vascular-related conditions.

This ELISA Kit from Tecan IBL International is for research use only.

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