Recombinant Human VEGF-C (carrier-free)

VEGF-C was initially cloned from human prostatic adenocarcinoma cell line PC-3 and human glioma G61 cell cDNA libraries. VEGF-C belongs to the VEGF family that includes the following members, VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and PlGF (placental growth factor). In addition, viral VEGF homologs (collectively called VEGF-E) and snake venom VEGFs such as T.f. (Trimeresurus flavoviridis) and svVEGF (called VEGF-F) have been described. The homologus portions of VEGF-C are ~30% identical to VEGF165, ~27% to VEGF-B167, ~25% to PlGF- 1, and ~22-24% to PDGF-A and PDGF-B. VEGF-C possesses a C-terminal silk-protein-like structural motif (pattern of spacing cysteine residues) not present in other member of the VEGF family. VEGF-C binds to VEGFR3 that is almost exclusively expressed in lymphatic endothelium in adults, whereas in embryos (mid-gestation) it is expressed on blood vessels and is required for blood vascular remodeling. VEGFR3 is shared by VEGF-C and VEGF-D. VEGF-C is required for sprouting of the first lymphatic vessels from embryonic veins. Also, VEGF-C promotes survival of retinal vascular endothelial cells via VEGFR2. High levels of VEGF-C (in serum) have been associated to dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. In addition, elevated levels of VEGF-C are increased in the serum of patients with some cancers (primary nonsmall cell lung carcinoma, cervical carcinoma, and gastric cancer among others) and it has been suggested that it is correlated with lymph node metastases and poor prognosis.