VGF Antibodies

Background

VGF gene encoding a neuroendocrine specificity precursor protein, the precursor by proteolytic processing can produce a variety of biological active peptides. These polypeptides are widely expressed in neurons and endocrine cells and are involved in regulating various physiological processes such as energy metabolism, synaptic plasticity and stress response. Studies have shown that FGF-derived peptides play a core role in maintaining energy balance in the body, and their abnormal expression is closely related to obesity, depression and neurodegenerative diseases. This gene was first discovered by Salton et al. in 1985 when they were studying genes induced by nerve growth factors. Its name "VGF" originated from the abbreviation of what was identified at that time as the "product of the induced gene". Due to the multifunctionality of VGF polypeptides in cell signal transduction and system regulation, it has become an important molecular target in neuroscience and metabolic disease research.

Structure Function Application Advantage Our Products

Structure of VGF

The VGF gene encodes a relatively large neuroendocrine protein precursor with a molecular weight of approximately 68 kDa. The length and post-translational modification of this precursor may lead to differences in its molecular weight under different physiological conditions.

Species	Human	Mouse	Rat
Molecular Weight (kDa)	~68	~68	~68
Primary Structural Differences	Conservative structure containing multiple domains, can be processed into a variety of bioactive peptides	High homologous to human VGF and functionally similar peptides	Core functional regions were consistent with those in humans and mice

This VGF precursor protein contains approximately 600 amino acid residues (617 for humans), and through proteolytic processing, multiple small peptides with significant activities are produced. Its secondary structure is mainly composed of α -helices and random curls, and these domains are responsible for binding to specific membrane receptors (such as TLQP peptides and complement C3a receptor 1). The key functional structures include N-terminal signal peptides, multiple paired basic amino acid cleavage sites, and C-terminal active peptides (such as AQEE-30). These active peptide segments play a core regulatory role in energy metabolism, neural plasticity and stress response by forming amphiphilic α -helical and other structures.

Fig. 1:The VGF and its derived peptides. Fig. 1 The VGF and its derived peptides.¹

Key structural properties of VGF:

Complex multi-domain precursors
Conservative core functional area
Diverse conformations of active peptides

Functions of VGF

The main function of VGF protein precursors is to serve as a reservoir for various bioactive peptides, which play a core regulatory role in the nervous and endocrine systems. Meanwhile, it is also involved in a wider range of physiological and pathological processes.

Function	Description
Regulation of energy metabolism	VGF derived peptides, such as TLQP-21, are essential for maintaining energy balance by regulating appetite, energy expenditure, and glucose homeostasis through the central nervous system.
Regulation of synaptic plasticity	In brain regions such as the hippocampus, VGF peptides can promote neurogenesis, enhance synaptic transmission and long-term enhancement effects, and support learning and memory functions.
Integration of stress response	As a neuroendocrine messenger, VGF is involved in coordinating the body's response to physiological or psychological stress and affects the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
Improvement of depressive-like behaviors	Preclinical studies have shown that specific VGF peptides (such as AQEE-30) have antidepressant effects and can reverse depressive-like behaviors in model animals.
Cell protection and survival	In neurons, the upregulation of VGF expression is associated with the activation of cell survival signaling pathways and may have protective potential for neurodegenerative diseases.

The functional mechanism of VGF differs from the single ligand-receptor model. It generates polypeptides with various functions through multiple enzymatic digeptions and acts on different receptor targets (such as the interaction between TLQP peptides and complement C3a receptors). This diversity enables it to precisely regulate complex physiological networks.

Applications of VGF and VGF Antibody in Literature

1. Soliman, Nadia, Kenji Okuse, and Andrew SC Rice. "VGF: a biomarker and potential target for the treatment of neuropathic pain?." Pain reports 4.5 (2019): e786. https://doi.org/10.1097/PR9.0000000000000786

The article indicates that nerve injury and inflammation can significantly upregulate VGF expression, thereby intensifying neuropathic pain through immune and neural interaction. VGF and its derived neuropeptides are expected to become novel analgesic targets, but their specific mechanisms of action still require in-depth research.

2. Alqarni, Saleha, and Mashael Alsebai. "Could VGF and/or its derived peptide act as biomarkers for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases: A systematic review." Frontiers in Endocrinology 13 (2022): 1032192. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.1032192

The article indicates that multiple studies have shown that in patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, the levels of VGF and its derived peptides are significantly reduced, suggesting that it may have diagnostic potential. However, its specific mechanism of action and diagnostic value still need to be further explored.

3. Wu, Zhengyan, et al. "Integrin αVβ1-activated PYK2 promotes the progression of non-small-cell lung cancer via the STAT3-VGF axis." Cell Communication and Signaling 22.1 (2024): 313. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12964-024-01639-1

Studies have shown that in non-small cell lung cancer, PYK2 upregulates the expression of the neuropeptide VGF by activating STAT3, thereby promoting tumor progression. Inhibiting this pathway can slow down tumor growth, suggesting that VGF may become a potential therapeutic target.

4. Lewis, Jo E., John M. Brameld, and Preeti H. Jethwa. "Neuroendocrine role for VGF." Frontiers in endocrinology 6 (2015): 3. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2015.00003

Studies have shown that the precursor polypeptides encoded by the VGF gene are transformed into various active neuropeptides, which are widely distributed in the nervous and endocrine systems. These peptide substances are involved in various physiological processes such as energy metabolism, pain, reproduction and cognition, and are potential targets for the treatment of related diseases.

5. Woo, Marcel S., et al. "The NR4A2/VGF pathway fuels inflammation-induced neurodegeneration via promoting neuronal glycolysis." Journal of Clinical Investigation 134.16 (2024): e177692. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI177692

Research has found that in multiple sclerosis (MS), excessive neuronal excitability leads to the upregulation of nuclear receptor NR4A2, which in turn continuously stimulates the secretion of VGF. This abnormal secretion of VGF can lead to metabolic disorders and death of neurons, indicating that targeting VGF may alleviate inflammatory neurodegenerative diseases.

Creative Biolabs: VGF Antibodies for Research

Creative Biolabs specializes in the production of high-quality VGF antibodies for research and industrial applications. Our portfolio includes monoclonal antibodies tailored for ELISA, Flow Cytometry, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and other diagnostic methodologies.

Custom VGF Antibody Development: Tailor-made solutions to meet specific research requirements.
Bulk Production: Large-scale antibody manufacturing for industry partners.
Technical Support: Expert consultation for protocol optimization and troubleshooting.
Aliquoting Services: Conveniently sized aliquots for long-term storage and consistent experimental outcomes.

For more details on our VGF antibodies, custom preparations, or technical support, contact us at email.

Reference

Alqarni, Saleha, and Mashael Alsebai. "Could VGF and/or its derived peptide act as biomarkers for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases: A systematic review." Frontiers in Endocrinology 13 (2022): 1032192. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.1032192