Description_x000D_ General description_x000D_ Vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGF-B), a member of the VEGF family, is a potent growth and angiogenic cytokine. VEGF-B is expressed in all tissues except the liver. It forms cell surface-associated disulfide linked homodimers and can form heterodimers with VEGF-A. There are two known isoforms, formed by alternative splicing, which have been designated VEGF-B167 and VEGF-B186. Both forms have identical amino-terminal sequences encoding a "cysteine knot" like structural motif, but differ in their carboxyl-terminal domains. Both VEGF-B isoforms signal only through the VEGFR1 receptor. The gene encoding this protein is localized on human chromosome 11q13 and contains seven exons. Recombinant human VEGF-B is a 38kDa disulfide-linked homodimeric protein consisting of two 167 amino acid polypeptide chains._x000D_ Biochem/physiol Actions_x000D_ Vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGF-B) promotes DNA synthesis in endothelial cells, regulates angiogenesis and vascular permeability, and inhibits apoptosis in certain smooth muscle cells and neurons. It has a role in coronary vessel growth and cardiac hypertrophy, which might provide protection to heart against ischemic damage and heart failure. VEGF-B is also involved in neuroprotection. The protein might have a role in metabolic functions since it is highly expressed in tissues with highly active energy metabolism._x000D_ Physical form_x000D_ Lyophilized without any additives._x000D_ Reconstitution_x000D_ Centrifuge the vial prior to opening. Avoid freeze-thaw cycles._x000D_ Reconstitute in 0.1% acetic acid to a concentration of 0.1-1.0 mg/mL.