The present invention is directed to an isolated nucleic acid encoding a
fusion protein comprising (1) the A subunit of Shiga-like bacterial
toxin, or a truncated or mutated version thereof; and (2) human vascular
endothelial growth factor, or a truncated or mutated version thereof;
wherein the fusion protein possesses ribosome inactivating activity and
ability to bind to cellular VEGF receptors. The present invention is also
directed to polypeptides the above combination of toxin and growth
factor, as well as expression vectors and transformed cells incorporating
the above nucleic acid. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical
compositions and methods for treating patients suffering from diseases
relating to angiogenesis.