Specific distribution of VEGF-F in Viperinae snake venoms: Isolation and characterization of a VEGF-F from the venom of Daboia russelli siamensis

Vascular endothelial growth factor exerts multiple functions through binding to two distinct receptor tyrosine kinases, Flt-1 and KDR. We previously demonstrated that snake venom VEGFs, designated VEGF-Fs, exhibit potent biological activities when compared with VEGF165 and that they selectively recognize KDR. We herein report the screening of several snake venoms for VEGF-Fs using antibodies against vammin and HF, VEGF-Fs derived from the venom of Vipera ammodytes ammodytes and Vipera aspis aspis, respectively. Specific immunoreactivity was observed in the venoms of Vipera and Daboia species. The present results suggest that VEGF-Fs are specific components of venoms from the Viperinae snakes that inhabit Europe, India, and Asia. We also report the isolation and characterization of an additional VEGF-F from Daboia russelli siamensis venom.