Based on sequence similarity to VEGF-A, a gene encoding a VEGF homologue has recently been discovered in the genome of Orf virus (OV) (Lyttle et al., 1994). Different isolates of Orf virus show significant amino acid sequence similarity to VEGF-A and described as a viral virulence factor that appears to be derived from captured host genes. All eight cysteine residues of the central cysteine knot motif characteristic of members of the VEGF family are conserved among other residues in the VEGF-E proteins (Dehio et al., 1999; Wise et al., 1999). Alignment of all mammalian VEGF sequences indicated that VEGF-E is distinct from the previously described VEGFs but most closely related to VEGF-A. Like VEGF-A, VEGF-E was found to bind with high affinity to VEGF receptor-2 (KDR) resulting in receptor autophosphorylation, whilst in contrast to VEGF-A, VEGF-E can not bind to VEGF receptor-1 (Flt-1). Furthermore VEGF-E can also not bind to VEGF receptor-3 (FLT-4). Therefore VEGF-E is a potent angiog

A DNA sequence encoding the mature variant of ovVEGF-E isolate D1701 (Dehio et al., 1999; GenBank accession No. AF106020) was expressed in E. coli as a 132 amino acid residue fusion protein with an N-terminal His-tag sequence and a thrombin cleavage site. Recombinant VEGF-E homodimer was dimerized in vitro and has a predicted mass of approximately 35 kDa.

Escherichia Coli.

Sterile Filtered White lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder.

The protein was lyophilized from a concentrated (1mg/ml) solution containing PBS.

The lyophilized oVEGF-E Orf Virus should be reconstituted in water or medium to a concentration not lower than 50µg/ml. For long term storage we would recommend to add at least 0.1% human or bovine serum albumin.

Lyophilized Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-E Orf Virus although stable at room temperature for 3 weeks, should be stored desiccated below -18°C. Upon reconstitution VEGF E -OV should be stored at 4°C between 2-7 days and for future use below -18°C.
Please prevent freeze-thaw cycles.

Greater than 90.0% as determined by SDS-PAGE.

The biological activity was determined (1) by the ability to induce VEGFR-2/KDR receptor phosphorylation in PAE/KDR cells and (2) in a cell proliferation assay using primary HUVECs. The ED₅₀ for this effect is typically 1-5ng/ml.

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