VEGF-B

VEGF-B, encoded by the VEGFB gene, is the family member most selective in receptor usage: it binds VEGFR1 and neuropilin-1 but not VEGFR2, and shows far weaker angiogenic activity than VEGF-A. It is expressed predominantly in heart, skeletal muscle, and brain, tissues with high oxidative demand. Acting through VEGFR1 on endothelium, VEGF-B regulates trans-endothelial fatty-acid transport by controlling FATP expression, thereby feeding cardiomyocyte and skeletal-muscle metabolism, and it also supports endothelial and neuronal survival. Recombinant VEGF-B is used in cardiac-protection research, VEGFR1-specific binding assays, and metabolic studies of the vascular-endothelial interface.