VEGF 120 Protein, Mouse

VEGF 120 is the smallest functional isoform of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGF-A) in mice, generated through alternative splicing of the Vegfa gene. Unlike the larger isoforms (VEGF 164 and VEGF 188), VEGF 120 lacks exons 6 and 7, which encode heparin-binding domains and extracellular matrix (ECM) interaction sites. This structural deficiency makes VEGF 120 the most soluble and freely diffusible isoform, unable to bind heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) or ECM components.
The diffusible nature of VEGF 120 results in a broad, diffuse immunostaining pattern in developing tissues, contrasting with the steep, localized gradients formed by ECM-binding isoforms. In the developing mouse forebrain, VEGF 120 contributes to the dual regulation of neurogenesis and angiogenesis. Expressed by radial glia and neurons, its freely diffusible properties allow it to influence neural stem cell (NSC) proliferation and differentiation across larger tissue volumes compared to matrix-bound isoforms.