Vascular endothelial growth factor B

Vascular endothelial growth factor B also known as VEGF-B is a is_associated_with::protein that, in humans, is encoded by the VEGF-B is_associated_with::gene. VEGF-B is a is_associated_with::growth factor that belongs to the is_associated_with::vascular endothelial growth factor family, of which is_associated_with::VEGF-A is the best-known member.

Function
In contrast to is_associated_with::VEGF-A, VEGF-B plays a less pronounced role in the vascular system: Whereas VEGF-A is important for the formation of is_associated_with::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. VEGF-B plays also an important role on several types of neurons. It is important for the protection of neurons in the is_associated_with::retina and the is_associated_with::cerebral cortex during is_associated_with::stroke and of is_associated_with::motoneurons during motor neuron diseases such as is_associated_with::amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

VEGF-B exerts its effects via the is_associated_with::FLT1 receptor.

VEGF-B has also been found to control is_associated_with::endothelial uptake and transport of fatty acids in heart and skeletal muscle.

Interactions
Vascular endothelial growth factor B has been shown to interact with is_associated_with::FLT1.