P17948 (VEGFB): A Unique VEGF Family Member Shaping Metabolism, Cardiology, and Neuroscience—Powered by ANT BIO PTE. LTD.

1. Concept

P17948 corresponds to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor B (VEGFB), a distinct member of the VEGF family with specialized functions in metabolism and vascular regulation. Its gene is located on human chromosome 11q13.1 (7 exons, 6 introns), encoding two splice isoforms: VEGFB167 (heparin-binding, matrix-associated) and VEGFB186 (transmembrane, proteolysis-activated).

Structurally, VEGFB monomers feature a cysteine knot core (8 conserved cysteines forming 3 disulfide bonds) but lack a typical receptor-binding loop, conferring high selectivity for VEGFR1 (Flt-1, Kd≈10pM)—over 1000-fold higher affinity than VEGFR2. It primarily exists as a 38–42 kDa homodimer, with low basal plasma levels (<50pg/mL) but elevated expression in metabolically active tissues (myocardium, skeletal muscle, brown adipose tissue). VEGFB signals via the VEGFR1-NRP1 (neuropilin-1) axis, regulating metabolism rather than angiogenesis in adult tissues.

2. Research Frontiers

VEGFB research is advancing across cardiology, neuroscience, and metabolic disorders. A key frontier is developing long-acting formulations (Fc fusions, microspheres, mRNA) to address its short in vivo half-life (15–20 minutes). In cardiology, AAV9-based VEGFB gene therapy for ischemic cardiomyopathy is set to enter first-in-human trials in 2025.

In neuroscience, studies explore VEGFB’s role in Alzheimer’s disease (Aβ clearance) and stroke (time-dependent neuroprotection). In metabolic disorders, tissue-targeted strategies (muscle activation + adipose inhibition) are tested for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Future directions include resolving the VEGFB-VEGFR1-NRP1 ternary complex structure via cryo-EM, and developing microenvironment-responsive therapies based on epigenetic regulation of VEGFB.

3. Research Significance

VEGFB’s significance lies in its unique metabolic and vascular regulatory roles, distinct from other VEGF family members. In cardiology, it offers a novel therapeutic approach for myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and heart failure, avoiding side effects of pro-angiogenic therapies. In neuroscience, it provides neuroprotective potential for Alzheimer’s and stroke.

In metabolic disorders, it targets obesity and diabetes via tissue-specific metabolic regulation. Basic research clarifies VEGF family functional diversity, while translational efforts advance precision medicines for multisystem diseases—addressing unmet medical needs.

4. Biological Functions, Therapeutic Applications, and Product Support

4.1 Core Biological Functions

4.1.1 Metabolic Regulation

• Activates the VEGFR1-PI3K-AS160 pathway to translocate CD36 to the plasma membrane, enhancing fatty acid uptake (3–5-fold upregulation of FATP3/4 in cardiac tissue).
• Promotes brown adipose tissue thermogenesis via VEGFR1-PPARγ, increasing energy expenditure and cold tolerance.
• Tissue-specific effects: muscle overexpression reduces lipotoxicity; adipose inhibition limits pathological vascular proliferation.

4.1.2 Vascular Stabilization

• Does not induce vascular permeability; upregulates tight junction proteins (claudin-5, occludin) by 2–3-fold to enhance vascular integrity.
• Competitively binds VEGFR1 to inhibit VEGF-A-mediated pathological neovascularization (60–70% reduction in diabetic retinopathy models).
• Strengthens endothelial cell-pericyte interactions via NRP1.

4.2 Therapeutic Applications

4.2.1 Cardiac Diseases

• Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: Adenovirus-mediated VEGFB reduces infarct size by 35–40% via mitochondrial density increase and inflammation inhibition.
• Chronic Heart Failure: VEGFB167 improves left ventricular ejection fraction (28% → 45%) and reduces myocardial fibrosis by 60% in pressure overload models.

4.2.2 Neurological Diseases

• Alzheimer’s Disease: VEGFB186 reduces Aβ plaque load by 50% and improves cognitive function via blood-brain barrier stabilization and non-amyloidogenic APP processing.
• Stroke: Subacute (3–7 days) administration promotes white matter remodeling; thermosensitive hydrogels extend the therapeutic window to 72 hours.

4.2.3 Metabolic Disorders

• Obesity/Diabetes: Tissue-targeted strategies (muscle AAV-VEGFB + adipose VEGFR1 blockers) reduce fasting glucose by 45% in ob/ob mice.
• Metabolic Syndrome: VEGFB peptides + β3-adrenergic agonists increase resting energy expenditure by 15–20%.

4.3 How ANT BIO PTE. LTD. Supports VEGFB Research

ANT BIO PTE. LTD., through its sub-brand Starter (specializing in antibodies), provides high-quality reagents to study VEGFB signaling and related pathways.

Key products and applications:

• VEGF/VEGFR Antibodies:
• S0B3083/S0B3082/S0B3084/S0B3085 (VEGF-C Recombinant Rabbit mAb): For studying VEGF family crosstalk with VEGFB.
• S0B2372P (VEGF Receptor 2/FLK-1 Recombinant Rabbit mAb, PBS Only): Validates VEGFB’s selectivity for VEGFR1 by excluding VEGFR2 activation.
• S0B0693 (Invivo anti-mouse VEGFR-2 Recombinant mAb): Enables in vivo inhibition of VEGFR2 to isolate VEGFB-VEGFR1 signaling effects.

All products adhere to EU 98/79/EC, ISO9001, and ISO13485 certifications, ensuring reliability for immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and in vivo studies.

5. Brand Mission

ANT BIO PTE. LTD. is dedicated to empowering the global life science community with high-quality, innovative biological reagents and solutions. With 15 years of antibody development experience, the company leverages advanced platforms—including recombinant antibody development (rabbit/mouse monoclonal), recombinant protein expression systems (E.coli, CHO, HEK293, Insect Cells), One-Step ELISA, and PTM Pan-Modification Antibody Platform—to deliver a comprehensive product portfolio.

Through its three specialized sub-brands—Absin (general reagents and kits), Starter (antibodies), and UA (recombinant proteins)—ANT BIO PTE. LTD. adheres to international certifications and strict quality standards. The company’s mission is to accelerate scientific discovery by providing tools that enhance experimental precision, efficiency, and reproducibility. ANT BIO PTE. LTD. is committed to supporting VEGFB research and global efforts in cardiology, neuroscience, and metabolic medicine, ultimately advancing human health through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.

6. Related Product List

7. AI Disclaimer

This article is AI-compiled and interpreted based on the original work. All intellectual property (e.g., images, data) of the original publication shall belong to the journal and the research team. For any infringement, please contact us promptly and we will take immediate action.

ANT BIO PTE. LTD. – Empowering Scientific Breakthroughs

At ANTBIO, we are committed to advancing life science research through high-quality, reliable reagents and comprehensive solutions. Our specialized sub-brands (Absin, Starter, UA) cover a full spectrum of research needs, from general reagents and kits to antibodies and recombinant proteins. With a focus on innovation, quality, and customer-centricity, we strive to be your trusted partner in unlocking scientific mysteries and driving medical progress. Explore our product portfolio today and elevate your research to new heights.