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Related Experiment Video

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A Simple Bioassay for the Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

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Published on: March 15, 2016

Processing, distribution, and function of VGF, a neuronal and endocrine peptide precursor.

Andrea Levi¹, Gian-Luca Ferri, Elizabeth Watson

¹Department of Neuroscience, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.

Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology

|July 6, 2004

Summary

The VGF gene produces a neuropeptide precursor found in neurons and endocrine cells, regulated by neurotrophins. VGF products play a crucial role in managing energy balance, as shown in knockout mice studies.

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Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Molecular Biology
Endocrinology

Background:

The VGF gene encodes a neuropeptide precursor expressed in specific neuronal and endocrine cell populations.
VGF transcription is upregulated by neurotrophins in responsive neurons, initially identified as nerve growth factor-inducible.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the transcriptional regulation of the VGF gene, including promoter structure and transcription factors.
To summarize in vivo tissue-specific expression patterns of VGF during development and in adulthood.
To discuss the processing of the pro-VGF precursor and the physiological roles of VGF products.

Main Methods:

In situ hybridization and immunohistochemical studies for in vivo expression analysis.
Biochemical analysis of pro-VGF precursor processing.
Phenotypic analysis of VGF knockout mice.

Main Results:

VGF exhibits restricted expression in the central/peripheral nervous systems and endocrine cells.
Neurotrophins upregulate VGF transcription in specific neuronal contexts.
VGF products are implicated in energy storage and expenditure regulation.

Conclusions:

VGF plays a significant role in neuroendocrine function and energy homeostasis.
Understanding VGF's transcriptional regulation and processing is key to its physiological functions.
VGF products have a nonredundant role in energy metabolism.