Anti-VEGF (C-term) Antibody

Embryonic vascular system undergoes a series of complex, highly regulated series of events involving differentiation, migration and association of primitive endothelial cells. This process is termed vasculogenesis. A further remodeling of the primitive vascular system forms the mature cardiovascular system. This process is known as angiogenesis (sprouting of new capillary vessels from pre-existing vasculature). Angiogenesis accounts for the formation of vasculature into previously avascular organs such as brain and kidney. Angiogenic activity in the adult is required during the normal tissue repair, and for the remodeling of the female reproductive organs (ovulation and placental development). Certain pathological conditions, such as tumor growth and diabetic retinopathy, also require angiogenesis. Study of tumor angiogenesis has led to the identification of several proteins including basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor. VEGF acts by interacting with a family of largely endothelial-specific receptor tyrosine kinases that includes VEGFR-1 (flt-1), VEGFR-2 (flk-1/KDR), and VEGFR-3/Flt-4. Disruption of VEGFRs interferes with differentiation of endothelial cells and it is lethal for the embryo. VEGF is a heparin-binding glycoprotein that is secreted as a homodimer of 45 kDa.