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VEGF‐B is an apoptosis inhibitor via suppression of BH3‐only protein gene
Author(s) -
Li Xuri
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.22.1_supplement.648.30
Subject(s) - apoptosis , angiogenesis , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , function (biology) , vegf receptors , inhibitor of apoptosis , biology , chemistry , homology (biology) , cancer research , programmed cell death , genetics
Despite its early discovery and high sequence homology to the other VEGF family members, the function of VEGF‐B thus far elusive. We have recently found a novel function of VEGF‐B as a potent apoptosis inhibitor. VEGF‐B treatment significantly rescues neurons from apoptosis in both the retina and brain. Mechanistically, we reveal that VEGF‐B inhibits apoptosis via suppressing the expression of the BH3‐only protein and other apoptotic/cell death‐related genes. Remarkably, the anti‐apoptotic/survival effect of VEGF‐B is not associated with undesired angiogenesis. VEGF‐B thus appears to be the first member of the VEGF family that has a potent anti‐apoptotic effect, while lacking a general/universal angiogenic activity.