VEGF has been classically a well-known angiogenic factor, but the fact that impairing VEGF production through genetic manipulation results in degeneration of motoneurons, resembling ALS [20], has revealed that the ability to produce endogenous VEGF may be important for maintaining the health of motoneurons in the brainstem and spinal cord. The gene discussed is VEGFA; the disease is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.