Description
MFG-E8, also known as lactadherin and MFGE8, contains 1 EGF-like domain and 2 F5/8 type C domains. It also contains phosphatidylserine (PS) binding domain, as well as an Arginine-Glycine-Aspartic acid motif, which enables the binding to integrins. It binds PS, which is exposed on the surface of apoptotic cells. MFG-E8 is expressed in mammary epithelial cell surfaces and aortic media. Overexpression of MFG-E8 can be found in several carcinomas. MFG-E8 has opsonization of the apoptotic cells and binding to integrins on the surface of phagocytic cells. It also mediates the engulfment of the dead cell. MFG-E8 plays an important role in the maintenance of intestinal epithelial homeostasis and the promotion of mucosal healing. It promotes VEGF-dependent neovascularization and contributes to the phagocytic removal of apoptotic cells in many tissues. It also binds to phosphatidylserine-enriched cell surfaces in a receptor-independent manner.