Restricted expression pattern of vegf-d in the adult and fetal mouse: high expression in the embryonic lung.
Endothelial growth factors have become the target of intense research since the initial discovery of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF/VPF). At present, VEGF is established as a major inducer of angiogenesis in normal and pathological conditions. Recently several new members in the VEGF family have been described; VEGF-B/VRF, VEGF-C and VEGF-D. VEGF-D is most closely related to VEGF-C by virtue of the presence of N- and C-terminal extensions that are not found in other VEGF family members. We have here examined the expression pattern of vegf-d mRNA with in situ hybridization in developing and adult mice. This shows a restricted expression pattern, with high levels mainly in lung tissue. The expression in embryonic lung is upregulated prior to birth. Expression of vegf-d in other tissues, as well as in lung tissue of the E14 embryo, was either low or absent. This suggests that VEGF-D may be of special relevance for the vascularization of lung tissue during the last trimester of fetal development.
Farnebo
F
F
CMM L8 02, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, S-171 76, Sweden.
Piehl
F
F
Lagercrantz
J
J
D000818:Animals; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000378:metabolism; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D007668:Kidney / Q000378:metabolism; D008168:Lung / Q000196:embryology* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D009841:Oligonucleotides / Q000235:genetics; D009928:Organ Specificity; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D012671:Seminiferous Tubules / Q000378:metabolism; D013131:Spine / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000378:metabolism; D015854:Up-Regulation; D042643:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor D
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D009841:Oligonucleotides; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D042643:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor D