Human VEGF-121 (vascular endothelial growth factor)

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic factor, and its expression is induced by
hypoxia. VEGF also possesses a non-angiogenic role important for the cardiovascular system. For instance, it
can promote differentiation of stem cells into cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells, and boost the function of
mesenchymal stem cells and endothelial progenitor cells. These activities of VEGF are mediated in part through
the AKT signaling transduction pathway. In humans, alternative splicing from the single VEGF-A gene gives rise
to multiple VEGF splice variants encoding 121, 145, 165, 189, and 206 amino acids. All isoforms contain a signal
peptide sequence, but only the VEGF121, 145, and 165 species are secreted and readily diffusible presumably
due to the absence of a putative heparin-binding domain. The recombinant VEGF is expressed as a GST-fusion
protein. The fusion junction of the protein harbors an engineered thrombin cleavage site and a protein kinase A
(PKA) phosphorylation site. The GST portion of the fusion protein can be cleaved off by thrombin if necessary.
The fusion protein can be radioactively labeled with 32P-gamma-ATP and PKA. The product is for research use
only.  
Biomedical Research Service