Recombinant Human PlGF Protein Standard (His tag)

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Placental Growth Factor also known as PLGF is a member of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family. It is a homodimeric glycoprotein with a molecular weight of approximately 29 kDa. PLGF is mainly expressed in the placenta but it is also found in other tissues like the heart lungs and thyroid. Its main role is to bind to the VEGFR-1 receptor leading to angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. These processes involve new blood vessel formation which is important for fetal development and wound healing.

Biological function summary

PLGF plays an important role in the modulation of angiogenesis. It does not work alone; it often acts in synergy with VEGF-A to regulate blood vessel growth. PLGF has the ability to promote the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells which are essential components for blood vessel formation. Additionally its expressions adapt depending on physiological conditions like in pregnancy where it supports placental vascular development. Through its actions PLGF influences vascular permeability and contributes to physiological and pathological processes linked to blood vessel formation.

Pathways

PLGF is significant in the VEGF signaling pathway which controls angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. It interacts with VEGFR-1 to mediate effects on endothelial cell activity. This interaction is important because VEGFR-1 acts as a decoy receptor modulating VEGF-A signaling. Another important pathway where PLGF is involved is the inflammatory response pathway where it influences monocyte migration and cytokine production acting closely with inflammation-related proteins.

PLGF levels associate strongly with preeclampsia a condition in pregnancy marked by hypertension and organ dysfunction. Reduced PLGF levels can indicate preeclampsia as the balance of angiogenic factors gets disrupted affecting placental function. Another disorder linked with PLGF is cancer particularly in tumor angiogenesis where its elevated expression supports the growth and spread of tumors by promoting new blood vessel formation. Changes in PLGF levels can interact with proteins like VEGF-A to influence these diseases.