VASH2
Description
The VASH2 (vasohibin 2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 1.
VASH2 is a multifaceted protein encoded by the VASH2 gene. It is closely associated with the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family of proteins and is implicated in angiogenesis, particularly in tumor growth. VASH2 is structurally similar to VASH-1, but unlike VASH-1, which inhibits angiogenesis, VASH2 promotes angiogenesis, especially in invasive tumor cells. It is released by tumor cells in response to low oxygen environments, stimulating blood vessel formation to supply the tumor with nutrients. This is a critical step in tumor metastasis. Knockdown of VASH2 in tumor cells inhibits tumor size due to reduced angiogenesis. Besides its role in angiogenesis, VASH2 has been linked to neuron differentiation and ameliorating the symptoms of diabetic nephropathology.
VASH2 is a tyrosine carboxypeptidase that removes the C-terminal tyrosine residue of alpha-tubulin, thereby regulating microtubule dynamics and function. This regulation is crucial for spindle function and accurate chromosome segregation during mitosis as it influences mitotic spindle length and positioning. VASH2 also acts as an activator of angiogenesis, expressed in infiltrating mononuclear cells at the sprouting front to promote angiogenesis. Additionally, VASH2 plays a role in axon formation.
VASH2 is also known as -.
