Abstract: Novel forms of vascular endothelial growth factor genes and the novel proteins encoded by these genes are disclosed. More particularly, novel forms of human VEGF-A which contain exon 6b and do not contain exon 6a are disclosed. Other novel forms of human VEGF-A contain exon 6b in addition to exon 6a. These novel forms of VEGF-A include VEGF-A138, VEGF-A162, and VEGF-A182. Such novel VEGF proteins may be used in treatment of the cardiovascular system and its diseases through effects on anatomy, conduit function, and permeability, and more particularly in the treatment of cardiovascular disease by stimulating vascular cell proliferation using a growth factor, thereby stimulating endothelial cell growth and vascular permeability.

Abstract: Methods for improving or maintaining cardiac function in patients are disclosed. The methods include the stimulation of heart muscle regeneration, the treatment of patients with congestive heart failure and the prevention of organ transplant rejection. Methods are also disclosed for the treatment of patients after myocardial infarction and/or patients with congestive heart failure by adenovirus-mediated delivery of peptides, including, but not limited to, NKX-2.5, MEF2, GATA4, BCL-2, HGH, and Fas ligand, that alter the phenotype of cells in the heart.

Abstract: Novel forms of vascular endothelial growth factor genes and the novel proteins encoded by these genes are disclosed. More particularly, novel forms of human VEGF-A which contain exon 6b and do not contain exon 6a are disclosed. Other novel forms of human VEGF-A contain exon 6b in addition to exon 6a. These novel forms of VEGF-A include VEGF-A138, VEGF-A162, and VEGF-A182. Such novel VEGF proteins may be used in treatment of the cardiovascular system and its diseases through effects on anatomy, conduit function, and permeability, and more particularly in the treatment of cardiovascular disease by stimulating vascular cell proliferation using a growth factor, thereby stimulating endothelial cell growth and vascular permeability. The invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding such novel VEGF proteins, cells, tissues and animals containing such nucleic acids; methods of treatment using such nucleic acids; and methods relating to all of the foregoing.