Affiliations: Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts at
Boston, Boston, MA 02125-3393, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Department of Biology, University of
Massachusetts – Boston. 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 02125-3393, USA. Tel.:
+1 617 287 6619; Fax: +1 617 287 6650; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin (ANG)
and tyrosine kinase with immunoglobulin and epidermal growth factor homology
domains (TIE)-2 consist of a grouping of proteins that are involved in vascular
homeostasis, vascular integrity and angiogenesis. There are nine proteins in
the immediate VEGF family: VEGFA, VEGFB, VEGFC, VEGFD, VEGF-3, placental growth
factor (PGF), VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-1-related. They can
be stimulated by cytokines to become involved in immune responses. By using
in silico tools, we were able to identify several possible analogues or
homologues of VEGF, ANG and TIE-2 in invertebrates. This is the first report to
show that these proteins may be conserved through evolution. These proteins may
have a role in vascular maintenance and immunity. In addition, since VEGF, ANG
and TIE-2 have a role in mammalian immunity that is significantly influenced by
cytokines, such as IL-1, this may indicate an interaction of the vascular
system and the immune system over evolutionary time.
