VEGFn

VEGFn, short for vascular endothelial growth factor n, is described in a limited number of studies as a potential member of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family. It is referenced as a VEGF-like ligand with pro-angiogenic potential, though its exact status as a distinct, widely recognized gene and protein is not consistently established across databases. In many summaries, VEGFn remains a putative or experimental entry rather than a firmly cataloged human gene.

Gene and protein features attributed to VEGFn include a predicted signal peptide and the VEGF homology domain, suggesting that the protein is secreted and capable of forming disulfide-bonded dimers typical of VEGF family ligands. As with other VEGF members, VEGFn is expected to be a relatively small secreted glycoprotein that can engage in autocrine or paracrine signaling to affect endothelial cells.

Expression of VEGFn has been reported in some vertebrate tissues in limited datasets, with observations of vascular-associated expression patterns. Regulation evidence is sparse, but some data indicate upregulation under hypoxic conditions in certain cell types, consistent with VEGF family responses to low oxygen.

Functionally, VEGFn is described in experimental contexts as having pro-angiogenic properties, including stimulation of endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tubulogenesis in vitro. Receptor usage is not well defined; potential interactions with VEGF receptors such as VEGFR-2 (KDR/Flk-1) and possibly VEGFR-1, along with co-receptors like neuropilins, have been suggested in preliminary reports.

Clinical relevance remains uncertain, as there are no approved diagnostics or therapies targeting VEGFn. The topic is primarily of interest in basic research aimed at mapping the broader VEGF signaling network and clarifying whether VEGFn is a legitimately distinct ligand in humans or other species. See also VEGF and angiogenesis.