Description
EG-VEGF, also known as prokineticin-1, is a member of the AVIT (prokineticin) family. Prokineticins are secreted proteins that can promote angiogenesis and induce strong gastrointestinal smooth muscle contraction. EG-VEGF can be detected in the steroidogenic glands, ovary, testis, adrenal and placenta. EG-VEGF has little or no effect on a variety of other endothelial and non-endothelial cell types. It induces proliferation, migration and fenestration (the formation of membrane discontinuities) in capillary endothelial cells derived from endocrine glands. It directly influences neuroblastoma progression by promoting the proliferation and migration of neuroblastoma cells. EG-VEGF may play a role in placentation. It may also function in normal and pathological testis angiogenesis. It positively regulates PTGS2 expression and prostaglandin synthesis.