Vascular endothelial growth factor C is a VEGF. The human gene encoding it is VEGFC.
The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the platelet-derived growth factor/vascular endothelial growth factor (PDGF/VEGF) family, is active in angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis [1] and endothelial cell growth and survival, and can also affect the permeability of blood vessels. This secreted protein undergoes a complex proteolytic maturation, generating multiple processed forms that bind and activate VEGFR-3 receptors. Only the fully processed form can bind and activate VEGFR-2 receptors. The structure and function of this protein is similar to those of vascular endothelial growth factor D (VEGF-D).[2]
Lymphedema is caused by an imbalance between lymphatic vessel formation and absorption. Experimentally this can be created by overexpression of VEGF-C Lymphangioma: Overexpression of VEGF-C causes lymphatics to enlarge possibly facilitates metastasis.
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