VEGFR-1

VEGFR-1 (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 1), also known as FLT1 (Fms-related tyrosine kinase 1), is a protein that in humans is encoded by the FLT1 gene. It is a member of the VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) receptor family, which is a group of receptors known to play a significant role in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis.

Function

VEGFR-1 is one of the three receptors for VEGF. The other two are VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3. These receptors belong to the class III subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), which also includes receptors for factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and others.

VEGFR-1 primarily binds to VEGF-A and also can bind to VEGF-B and PlGF (Placenta Growth Factor). It has a higher affinity for VEGF-A than VEGFR-2, however, it does not use this binding to signal for angiogenesis. Instead, it acts as a "decoy" receptor, sequestering VEGF-A and preventing it from binding to VEGFR-2, which does signal for angiogenesis.

Clinical Significance

VEGFR-1 has been found to be overexpressed in many types of cancer, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer. This overexpression has been associated with poor prognosis and resistance to treatment. Therefore, VEGFR-1 is considered a potential target for cancer therapy.

In addition to its role in cancer, VEGFR-1 has also been implicated in other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration.

See Also

• VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor)
• VEGFR-2
• VEGFR-3
• Angiogenesis
• Lymphangiogenesis