Description
Vitronectin (VTN or VN) is a glycoprotein of the hemopexin family which is abundantly found in serum, the extracellular matrix and bone.[5] In humans it is encoded by the VTN gene.
Vitronectin binds to integrin alpha-V beta-3 and thus promotes cell adhesion and spreading. It also inhibits the membrane-damaging effect of the terminal cytolytic complement pathway and binds to several serpins (serine protease inhibitors). It is a secreted protein and exists in either a single chain form or a clipped, two chain form held together by a disulfide bond. Vitronectin has been speculated to be involved in hemostasis[8] and tumor malignancy