A novel vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF-C, is a ligand for the Flt4 (VEGFR-3) and KDR (VEGFR-2) receptor tyrosine kinases.

Research Article15 January 1996free access A novel vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF-C, is a ligand for the Flt4 (VEGFR-3) and KDR (VEGFR-2) receptor tyrosine kinases. V. Joukov V. Joukov Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, University of Helinski, Finland. Search for more papers by this author K. Pajusola K. Pajusola Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, University of Helinski, Finland. Search for more papers by this author A. Kaipainen A. Kaipainen Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, University of Helinski, Finland. Search for more papers by this author D. Chilov D. Chilov Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, University of Helinski, Finland. Search for more papers by this author I. Lahtinen I. Lahtinen Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, University of Helinski, Finland. Search for more papers by this author E. Kukk E. Kukk Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, University of Helinski, Finland. Search for more papers by this author O. Saksela O. Saksela Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, University of Helinski, Finland. Search for more papers by this author N. Kalkkinen N. Kalkkinen Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, University of Helinski, Finland. Search for more papers by this author K. Alitalo K. Alitalo Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, University of Helinski, Finland. Search for more papers by this author V. Joukov V. Joukov Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, University of Helinski, Finland. Search for more papers by this author K. Pajusola K. Pajusola Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, University of Helinski, Finland. Search for more papers by this author A. Kaipainen A. Kaipainen Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, University of Helinski, Finland. Search for more papers by this author D. Chilov D. Chilov Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, University of Helinski, Finland. Search for more papers by this author I. Lahtinen I. Lahtinen Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, University of Helinski, Finland. Search for more papers by this author E. Kukk E. Kukk Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, University of Helinski, Finland. Search for more papers by this author O. Saksela O. Saksela Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, University of Helinski, Finland. Search for more papers by this author N. Kalkkinen N. Kalkkinen Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, University of Helinski, Finland. Search for more papers by this author K. Alitalo K. Alitalo Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, University of Helinski, Finland. Search for more papers by this author Author Information V. Joukov1, K. Pajusola1, A. Kaipainen1, D. Chilov1, I. Lahtinen1, E. Kukk1, O. Saksela1, N. Kalkkinen1 and K. Alitalo1 1Department of Virology, Haartman Institute, University of Helinski, Finland. The EMBO Journal (1996)15:290-298https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1460-2075.1996.tb00359.x Correction(s) for this article A novel vascular endothelial growth factor, VEGF-C, is a ligand for the Flt4 (VEGFR-3) and KDR (VEGFR-2) receptor tyrosine kinases.01 April 1996 PDFDownload PDF of article text and main figures. ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InMendeleyWechatReddit Figures & Info Angiogenesis, the sprouting of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones, and the permeability of blood vessels are regulated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) via its two known receptors Flt1 (VEGFR-1) and KDR/Flk-1 (VEGFR-2). The Flt4 receptor tyrosine kinase is related to the VEGF receptors, but does not bind VEGF and its expression becomes restricted mainly to lymphatic endothelia during development. In this study, we have purified the Flt4 ligand, VEGF-C, and cloned its cDNA from human prostatic carcinoma cells. While VEGF-C is homologous to other members of the VEGF/platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) family, its C-terminal half contains extra cysteine-rich motifs characteristic of a protein component of silk produced by the larval salivary glands of the midge, Chironomus tentans. VEGF-C is proteolytically processed, binds Flt4, which we rename as VEGFR-3 and induces tyrosine autophosphorylation of VEGFR-3 and VEGFR-2. In addition, VEGF-C stimulated the migration of bovine capillary endothelial cells in collagen gel. VEGF-C is thus a novel regulator of endothelia, and its effects may extend beyond the lymphatic system, where Flt4 is expressed. Previous ArticleNext Article Volume 15Issue 21 January 1996In this issue RelatedDetailsLoading ...