Vascular endothelial growth factor B also known as VEGF-B is a protein that, in humans, is encoded by the VEGF-B gene. VEGF-B is a growth factor that belongs to the vascular endothelial growth factor family, of which VEGF-A is the best-known member.

Function

In contrast to VEGF-A, VEGF-B plays a less pronounced role in the vascular system: Whereas VEGF-A is important for the formation of blood vessels, such as during development or in pathological conditions, VEGF-B seems to play a role only in the maintenance of newly formed blood vessels during pathological conditions. VEGF-B plays also an important role on several types of neurons. It is important for the protection of neurons in the retina and the cerebral cortex during stroke, and of motor neurons during motor neuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. VEGF-B exerts its effects via the FLT1 receptor. But the role of co-receptor NRP in VEGF-B-mediated effects is still unclear. VEGF-B has also been found to control endothelial uptake and transport of fatty acids in heart and skeletal muscle.

Interactions

Vascular endothelial growth factor B has been shown to interact with FLT1, NRP1 and NRP2.