VEGF-A

VEGF-A is the founding and most potent member of the vascular endothelial growth factor family and the principal driver of physiological and pathological angiogenesis. Alternative splicing yields isoforms such as VEGF121 and VEGF165 that differ in heparin-binding and matrix association. Secreted under hypoxia via HIF-1, VEGF-A activates VEGFR2 to promote endothelial proliferation, migration, and survival, and binds VEGFR1 and neuropilin-1 to modulate vascular permeability and monocyte chemotaxis. Overexpression fuels tumor neovascularization, diabetic retinopathy, and edema, making VEGF-A the target of bevacizumab and aflibercept. Recombinant VEGF-A is a core reagent for endothelial cell assays and anti-angiogenic drug development.