VEGFC
Description
The VEGFC (vascular endothelial growth factor C) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 4.
Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) is a protein belonging to the platelet-derived growth factor / vascular endothelial growth factor (PDGF/VEGF) family. It is encoded by the VEGFC gene, located on chromosome 4q34. The primary function of VEGF-C is to promote the growth of lymphatic vessels (lymphangiogenesis). It acts on lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) through its receptor VEGFR-3, stimulating survival, growth, and migration. Discovered in 1996 as a ligand for the orphan receptor VEGFR-3, VEGF-C was subsequently shown to be a specific growth factor for lymphatic vessels in various models. However, beyond its effects on lymphatic vessels, VEGF-C can also promote the growth of blood vessels and regulate their permeability. This effect on blood vessels can be mediated through its primary receptor VEGFR-3 or its secondary receptor VEGFR-2. In addition to its vascular roles, VEGF-C is also important for neural development and blood pressure regulation. VEGF-C is a dimeric, secreted protein that undergoes complex proteolytic maturation, resulting in multiple processed forms.
VEGFC is also known as Flt4-L, LMPH1D, LMPHM4, VRP.
