Vascular endothelial growth factor B also known asVEGF-B is aprotein that, in humans, is encoded by theVEGF-Bgene.[5] VEGF-B is agrowth factor that belongs to thevascular endothelial growth factor family, of whichVEGF-A is the best-known member.
In contrast toVEGF-A, VEGF-B plays a less pronounced role in the vascular system: Whereas VEGF-A is important for the formation ofblood 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.[6] VEGF-B plays also an important role on several types of neurons. It is important for the protection of neurons in theretina[7] and thecerebral cortex duringstroke,[8] and ofmotor neurons duringmotor neuron diseases such asamyotrophic lateral sclerosis.[9]
VEGF-B exerts its effects via theFLT1 receptor.[10] But the role ofco-receptorNRP in VEGF-B-mediated effects is still unclear.[11]
VEGF-B has also been found to controlendothelial uptake and transport of fatty acids in heart and skeletal muscle.[12][13]
Vascular endothelial growth factor B has been shown tointeract withFLT1,NRP1 andNRP2.[14][15][16][17]
