| Modification Notes |
Angiogenic factors are critical to the initiation of angiogenesis and maintenance of the vascular network. The angiogenic factor vasculogenesis gene on 5q (VG5Q, formally named AGGF1) binds to endothelial cells and promotes cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Suppression of VG5Q inhibits vessel formation. VG5Q may also play a role in the autocrine system. It is a secreted cytoplasmic protein that interacts with TWEAK (also designated TNFSF12), an angiogenic factor. VG5Q is widely expressed, but highest levels are detected in various types of endothelial cells, osteoblasts and in smooth muscle cells. Mutations in the VG5Q gene result in the vascular disease Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS), which results in asymmetric overgrowth. |