Role of pigment epithelium-derived factor in stem/progenitor cell-associated neovascularization.
Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) was first identified in retinal pigment epithelium cells. It is an endogenously produced protein that is widely expressed throughout the human body such as in the eyes, liver, heart, and adipose tissue; it exhibits multiple and varied biological activities. PEDF is a multifunctional protein with antiangiogenic, antitumorigenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, neurotrophic, and neuroprotective properties. More recently, PEDF has been shown to be the most potent inhibitor of stem/progenitor cell-associated neovascularization. Neovascularization is a complex process regulated by a large, interacting network of molecules from stem/progenitor cells. PEDF is also involved in the pathogenesis of angiogenic eye disease, tumor growth, and cardiovascular disease. Novel antiangiogenic agents with tolerable side effects are desired for the treatment of patients with various diseases. Here, we review the value of PEDF as an important endogenous antiangiogenic molecule; we focus on the recently identified role of PEDF as a possible new target molecule to influence stem/progenitor cell-related neovascularization.
Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Chung-Shan Medical University and Hospital, Taichung 402, Taiwan.
Jung-Tung
JT
Liu
Yuh-Lien
YL
Chen
Wen-Chi
WC
Chen
Huey-Yi
HY
Chen
Yi-Wen
YW
Lin
Shu-Huei
SH
Wang
Kee-Ming
KM
Man
Hui-Min
HM
Wan
Wei-Hsian
WH
Yin
Po-Len
PL
Liu
Yung-Hsiang
YH
Chen
D000818:Animals; D005136:Eye Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology*; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000502:physiology*; D015843:Serpins / Q000502:physiology*; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D000099174:Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor
D005136:Eye Proteins; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D015843:Serpins; D000099174:Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor