Growth factor active in angiogenesis, vasculogenesis and endothelial cell growth. Induces endothelial cell proliferation, promotes cell migration, inhibits apoptosis and induces permeabilization of blood vessels. Binds to the FLT1/VEGFR1 and KDR/VEGFR2 receptors, heparan sulfate and heparin. May play a role in increasing vascular permeability during lactation, when increased transport of molecules from the blood is required for efficient milk protein synthesis.
[1] "Amino acid and cDNA sequences of a vascular endothelial cell mitogen that is homologous to platelet-derived growth factor."Conn G., Bayne M.L., Soderman D.D., Kwok P.W., Sullivan K.A., Palisi T.M., Hope D.A., Thomas K.A.Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.
