anti-VEGFA (human), Rabbit Monoclonal (RM391)

VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) is a 45 kDa homodimeric disulfide-linked glycoprotein involved in angiogenesis which promotes tumor progression and metastasis. VEGF has a variety of effects on vascular endothelium, including the ability to promote endothelial cell viability, mitogenesis, chemotaxis and vascular permeability. The VEGF family currently includes VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGF-E and PIGF. VEGF and its receptor system have been shown to be the fundamental regulators in the cell signaling of angiogenesis. Most tumors have the absolute requirement of angiogenesis, and VEGF has been described as the most potent angiogenic cytokine linked to this process. VEGF-A binds to the FLT1/VEGFR1 and KDR/VEGFR2 receptors, heparan sulfate and heparin. VEGF-A is a specific mitogen for vascular endothelial cells and a strong angiogenic factor in vivo. In addition to its action as a mitogen it is a potent vascular permeability factor (VPF) in vivo. It is also a chemoattractant molecule for monocytes and endothelial cells. It induces endothelial cell proliferation, promotes cell migration, inhibits apoptosis and induces permeabilization of blood vessels.