Description
Epidermal growth factor-like protein 7, also known as EGF-like protein 7, Multiple epidermal growth factor-like domains protein 7, Multiple EGF-like domains protein 7, Vascular endothelial statin, NOTCH4-like protein and EGFL7, is a secreted protein which contains twoEGF-like domains and oneEMI domain. EGFL7 was identified by a number of groups as a putative secreted factor produced by the vascular endothelial cells (ECs). EGFL7 is described as a novel endothelial cell-derived factor involved in the regulation of the spatial arrangement of cells during vascular tube assembly. With its impact on tubulogenesis and vessel shape EGFL7 joined the large family of molecules governing blood vessel formation. EGFL7 regulates midline angioblast migration in zebrafish embryos-a key step in vascular tubulogenesis. EGFL7 is tightly associated with the extracellular matrix (ECM), and it supports EC migration either as a single factor or in combination with other ECM molecules. EGFL7 provides a proper microenvironment for endothelial cell migration, thereby enabling accurate patterning. Our study indicates that the molecular composition of the ECM influences vascular morphogenesis. EGFL7 also regulates vascular tubulogenesis. It inhibits platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced smooth muscle cell migration and promotes endothelial cells adhesion to the substrate