VEGFA

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGFA) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the VEGFA gene. VEGFA is a member of the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) family, a group of proteins involved in the regulation of angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, and endothelial cell growth. Acting as a signaling protein, it promotes the growth of new blood vessels and is crucial for both physiological and pathological processes.

Function

VEGFA plays a pivotal role in angiogenesis, the process of forming new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels. This process is critical during wound healing and the formation of granulation tissue. VEGFA is also essential for the embryonic development process known as vasculogenesis, which is the formation of the initial vascular network. The protein stimulates vascular endothelial cells to proliferate, migrate, and increase their survival, leading to the formation of new capillaries.

In addition to its roles in normal physiological processes, VEGFA is involved in pathological conditions such as cancer, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Tumors can secrete VEGFA to promote the formation of new blood vessels, a process known as tumor angiogenesis, which supplies the growing tumor with oxygen and nutrients.

Structure

VEGFA is a heparin-binding growth factor specific for vascular endothelial cells. It exists in several isoforms due to alternative splicing of the mRNA transcript from the VEGFA gene. These isoforms vary in their ability to bind to the VEGF receptors (VEGFRs) located on the surface of endothelial cells, affecting their biological activity and function.

Clinical Significance

Given its role in angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, VEGFA is a target for therapeutic intervention in various diseases. Anti-VEGFA therapies, such as bevacizumab (Avastin), have been developed to inhibit VEGFA's activity. These therapies are used to treat cancers and eye diseases by preventing the growth of new blood vessels, thereby starving tumors of nutrients or reducing neovascularization in the eye.

Genetics

The VEGFA gene is located on chromosome 6p21.1 in humans. Mutations and expression levels of VEGFA have been studied in the context of their contribution to disease progression and response to therapy. Understanding the genetic regulation of VEGFA expression is crucial for developing targeted therapies for diseases associated with abnormal angiogenesis.

See Also

• Angiogenesis
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
• Bevacizumab
• Cancer
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Age-related Macular Degeneration