MFGE8
Description
The MFGE8 (milk fat globule EGF and factor V/VIII domain containing) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 15.
MFGE8, also known as Lactadherin, is a protein encoded by the MFGE8 gene in humans. It is a secreted protein found in vertebrates, including mammals and birds. MFGE8 may function as a cell adhesion protein connecting smooth muscle to elastic fibers in arteries. An amyloid fragment of MFGE8, known as medin, accumulates in the aorta with aging. MFGE8 in the adult vasculature can induce recovery from ischemia by facilitating angiogenesis. Antagonizing MFGE8-induced angiogenesis has been suggested as a potential strategy to combat cancer. MFGE8 contains a phosphatidylserine (PS) binding domain and an arginine-glycine-aspartic acid motif, enabling binding to integrins. It binds to PS exposed on the surface of apoptotic cells. Through opsonization of apoptotic cells and binding to integrins on the surface of phagocytic cells, MFGE8 mediates the engulfment of dead cells.
MFGE8 is also known as BA46, EDIL1, HMFG, HsT19888, MFG-E8, MFGM, OAcGD3S, SED1, SPAG10, hP47.
