Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor (dmVEGFR) nucleic acids and proteins that have been isolated from Drosophila melanogaster are described. The dmVEGFR nucleic acids and proteins can be used to genetically modify metazoan invertebrate organisms, such as insects and worms, or cultured cells, resulting in dmVEGPR expression or mis-expression. The genetically modified organisms or cells can be used in screening assays to identify candidate compounds which are potential therapeutics that interact with dmVEGFR protein. They can also be used in methods for studying dmVEGFR activity and identifying other genes that modulate the function of, or interact with, the dmVEGFR gene.