Angiogenesis

By Yoskaly Lazo-Fernandez, PhD

VEGFR-2 is a family member of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family of membrane receptor tyrosine kinases. It is a key regulator of the process of angiogenesis that takes place during fundamental developmental processes such as embryogenesis, skeletal growth, and reproductive functions. Like other growth factor receptors, upon ligand binding, VEGFR2 dimerizes and is autophosphorylated on multiple tyrosine residues.

VEGF is homodimeric, disulfide-linked glycoprotein cytokine that serves as the ligand for FLT1 (VEGFR-1 receptor) and FLK1 (VEGFR-2 receptor) tyrosine kinases. It is a key modulator of physiological angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, and endothelial cell growth during basic developmental processes such as embryogenesis, skeletal growth, and reproductive functions.

The main function of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family was originally thought to be restricted to degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. However, studies with their antibodies have identified several other functions. We at Novus Biologicals have an extensive range of MMP antibodies for research.

We at Novus Biologicals have a large antibody database devoted to signalling pathways. These underpin every area of molecular biological research, including cancer. Among our cell signalling antibodies is one targeted to DLL4 (Delta-like protein 4). DLL4 is a homologue of the Drosophila delta gene, known to encode DSL-domain ligands on the Notch signaling pathway.