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VEGF mRNA and protein concentrations in the developing human eye
Irene T Ma1, Suzanne McConaghy2, Kopperuncholan Namachivayam3
1Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona.
Pediatric Research
|January 15, 2015
Summary
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels increase in the developing human retina with gestational age. This finding is crucial for understanding normal retinal vascular development and potential impacts of preterm birth.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key regulator of angiogenesis.
- VEGF is implicated in retinal neovascularization and retinopathy of prematurity.
- The ontogeny of VEGF expression in the human fetal retina is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the changes in VEGF gene and protein expression in the developing human fetal retina.
- To determine the relationship between gestational age and VEGF expression in the human fetal eye.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative PCR was used to measure VEGF mRNA levels.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blots were employed to quantify VEGF protein.
- Samples were collected from fetal vitreous, retina, and serum from 10-24 weeks gestation.
Main Results:
- VEGF mRNA expression in the retina showed a positive correlation with gestational age.
- VEGF isoform A, specifically the VEGF121 splice variant, was a significant contributor to this correlation.
- VEGF121 protein concentrations increased in fetal vitreous humor with gestational age, while serum concentrations decreased.
Conclusions:
- VEGF121 mRNA and protein concentrations rise with increasing gestational age in the developing human retina.
- VEGF is likely essential for normal retinal vascular development.
- Preterm delivery may influence the production of VEGF.
