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Updated: Feb 5, 2026
09:04
A Simple Bioassay for the Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
Published on: March 15, 2016
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Human Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
Emmi Kokki1, Tommi Karttunen2, Venla Olsson3
1A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70150 Kuopio, Finland. emmi.kokki@uef.fi.
Genes
|September 12, 2018
Summary
This study introduces a new mouse model for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by inducing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. This model effectively mimics AMD pathogenesis and aids in evaluating anti-VEGF treatments for vision loss.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss, characterized by choroidal neovascularization.
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a critical role in the development of AMD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a novel mouse model for neovascular AMD.
- To investigate the role of human VEGF-A165 in inducing AMD-like pathology.
- To establish a platform for evaluating anti-VEGF therapies.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a transgenic mouse model with silenced human VEGF-A165 expression.
- Induced choroidal neovascularization and VEGF-A165 expression via adenoviral Cre gene delivery.
- Employed fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography, and immunohistochemistry for characterization.
Main Results:
- Induced AMD phenotype with increased retinal thickness and choroidal neovascularization area compared to controls.
- Observed the development of subretinal fibrovascular membranes at later time points.
- Confirmed sustained human VEGF-A165 expression for several weeks.
Conclusions:
- The Cre-induced mouse model accurately mimics AMD pathogenesis and vascular abnormalities.
- This model is valuable for studying human VEGF-A165 effects in the retina.
- The model serves as a robust platform for testing anti-VEGF treatments for AMD.
Keywords:
adenovirusage-related macular degenerationanimal modelgene therapygene transferneovascularizationsubretinalvascular endothelial growth factorMore Related Videos
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