Angiopoietin 4

Angiopoietin 4 (also known as ANGPT4, ANG-4 or ANG4) is a type of protein that in humans is encoded by the ANGPT4 gene. It is a member of the angiopoietin family, which are important for the formation of blood vessels and the regulation of angiogenesis.

Function

ANGPT4 is a secreted glycoprotein that plays a crucial role in the regulation of angiogenesis, the process through which new blood vessels form from pre-existing vessels. It is involved in the maturation, remodeling, and stabilization of the vascular endothelium. It also has a role in the regulation of vascular permeability and acts as an angiogenic factor in the heart.

Structure

The ANGPT4 protein is a member of the angiopoietin family, which also includes ANGPT1, ANGPT2, and ANGPT3. These proteins share a similar structure, with a coiled-coil domain, a fibrinogen-like domain, and a superclustering domain.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the expression of ANGPT4 have been associated with various diseases. Overexpression of ANGPT4 has been observed in several types of cancer, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer. It has also been implicated in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.

Research

Research into ANGPT4 is ongoing, with studies focusing on its role in angiogenesis and its potential as a therapeutic target in diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

See also

• Angiopoietin
• Angiogenesis
• Gene
• Protein