Anti-VEGF Antibody, Alexa Fluor(R) 647 Conjugate from rabbit, ALEXA FLUOR(R) 647

VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGFA, VEGF-A), a dimeric ligand, is among the most potent angiogenic mitogens. VEGF is secreted by tumor cells and other cells exposed to hypoxia. VEGF is a highly specific mitogen for vascular endothelial cells. Seven VEGF isoforms (a, b, c, d, e, f, g) are generated as a result of alternative splicing from a single VEGF gene. The most commonly studied isoforms are VEGF121, VEGF165, and VEGF189 (f, d and b, respectively). All seven isoforms differ in their molecular mass and in biological properties such as their ability to bind to cell-surface heparan-sulfate proteoglycans. The expression of VEGF is potentiated and is secreted by tumor cells in response to hypoxia, by activated oncogenes, and by a variety of cytokines. VEGF induces angiogenesis as well as permeabilization of blood vessels, and also plays a central role in the regulation of vasculogenesis. VEGF expression correlates to the degree of tumor vascularization and with increased metastatic risk. Additionally, VEGF induces endothelial cell proliferation, promotes cell migration, and inhibits apoptosis. Consequently, inhibition of VEGF signaling abrogates the development of a wide variety of tumors.