VEGF (mouse) ELISA

Vascular Endothelial Cell Growth Factor (VEGF): Overview and Key Points

Introduction: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a critical protein involved in regulating blood vessel formation and permeability. Initially isolated from the media of bovine pituitary folliculo-stellate cells, VEGF was later identified as identical to vascular permeability factor (VPF), due to its role in increasing capillary blood vessel permeability. VEGF is essential for various physiological and pathological processes, including angiogenesis and tumor growth.

Molecular Characteristics:

• Structure: VEGF is a homodimeric glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 38.2 kDa in humans. It is composed of two identical chains, each containing 165 amino acids.
• Isoforms: VEGF exists in multiple isoforms due to alternative splicing, with VEGF165 being the most prevalent. Other isoforms include VEGF121, VEGF145, and VEGF189, each with distinct roles and properties.

Biological Functions:

• Endothelial Cell Growth: VEGF stimulates the proliferation and survival of endothelial cells, which are essential for the formation of new blood vessels.
• Angiogenesis: VEGF is a potent angiogenic factor, promoting the development of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones. This process is crucial for normal physiological functions such as wound healing and embryogenesis, as well as pathological conditions like cancer.
• Capillary Permeability: VEGF increases the permeability of capillary blood vessels, facilitating the exchange of fluids and proteins between the bloodstream and surrounding tissues.

Clinical Relevance:

• Cancer: VEGF is commonly overexpressed in tumors, where it supports tumor growth by enhancing blood supply. Elevated VEGF levels are linked to tumor progression, metastasis, and poor prognosis. Anti-VEGF therapies, including monoclonal antibodies and receptor inhibitors, are used to inhibit tumor-associated angiogenesis.
• Cardiovascular Diseases: VEGF's involvement in endothelial cell function and blood vessel formation makes it relevant in cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction.
• Ocular Diseases: Abnormal VEGF activity is implicated in ocular conditions like age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, where excessive blood vessel growth in the retina can lead to vision loss. Anti-VEGF treatments are employed to manage these conditions.

Quantitative Measurement:

• Assay Kit: The kit for measuring mouse VEGF provides a quantitative assessment of VEGF levels in mouse samples. This is crucial for research involving mouse models, including studies on angiogenesis, tumor biology, and cardiovascular and ocular diseases.

Summary: VEGF is a key regulator of endothelial cell growth, angiogenesis, and vascular permeability. Its dysregulation is associated with various diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular disorders. The availability of specific assay kits for measuring VEGF, such as those for mouse VEGF, supports research into its biological roles and therapeutic potential.

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

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