VEGF (rat) ELISA

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

Introduction: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a critical protein involved in angiogenesis, endothelial cell growth, and vascular permeability. Originally isolated from normal bovine pituitary folliculo-stellate cells, VEGF was later recognized as identical to vascular permeability factor (VPF), which had been identified in tumor cell line media due to its effects on increasing capillary blood vessel permeability. This protein is essential for various physiological and pathological processes, including tumor growth and wound healing.

Molecular Characteristics:

• Structure: VEGF is a homodimeric glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 38.2 kDa in humans. It consists of two identical chains, each made up of 165 amino acids.
• Forms: VEGF exists in multiple isoforms due to alternative splicing, with VEGF165 being one of the most prevalent and studied forms. Other isoforms include VEGF121, VEGF145, and VEGF189.

Biological Functions:

• Endothelial Cell Growth: VEGF promotes the proliferation and survival of endothelial cells, which are critical for forming new blood vessels.
• Angiogenesis: VEGF is a key mediator of angiogenesis, the process through which new blood vessels are formed from existing ones. This is essential for normal physiological processes such as wound healing and embryogenesis, as well as pathological conditions like cancer.
• Capillary Permeability: VEGF increases the permeability of capillary blood vessels, allowing for the exchange of fluids and proteins between the bloodstream and surrounding tissues.

Clinical Relevance:

• Cancer: VEGF is frequently overexpressed in tumors, where it drives angiogenesis to supply the growing tumor with nutrients and oxygen. Elevated VEGF levels are associated with tumor progression, metastasis, and poor prognosis. Anti-VEGF therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies and receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, are used in cancer treatment to inhibit tumor blood vessel formation.
• Cardiovascular Diseases: VEGF's role in endothelial cell function and blood vessel formation makes it relevant in cardiovascular diseases, where it can impact conditions like coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction.
• Ocular Diseases: VEGF is involved in ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, where abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina can lead to vision loss. Anti-VEGF treatments are used to manage these conditions.

Quantitative Measurement:

• Assay Kit: The VEGF assay kit is designed for the quantitative measurement of rat VEGF. This is crucial for studying VEGF's role in various research contexts, including preclinical models of disease, therapeutic interventions, and physiological processes.

Summary: VEGF is a vital growth factor with significant roles in endothelial cell growth, angiogenesis, and vascular permeability. Its dysregulation is associated with several diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular conditions. The availability of specific assay kits for measuring VEGF, such as those for rat VEGF, facilitates research into its biological functions and therapeutic potential.

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

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