Vascular endothelial growth factor B also known as VEGF-B is a protein that, in humans, is encoded by the VEGF-B gene. [5] VEGF-B is a growth factor that belongs to the vascular endothelial growth factor family, of which VEGF-A is the best-known member.
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. [6] VEGF-B plays also an important role on several types of neurons. It is important for the protection of neurons in the retina [7] and the cerebral cortex during stroke, [8] and of motor neurons during motor neuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. [9]
VEGF-B exerts its effects via the FLT1 receptor. [10] But the role of co-receptor NRP in VEGF-B-mediated effects is still unclear. [11]
VEGF-B has also been found to control endothelial uptake and transport of fatty acids in heart and skeletal muscle. [12] [13]
Vascular endothelial growth factor B has been shown to interact with FLT1, NRP1 and NRP2. [14] [15] [16] [17]
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