Enables identical protein binding activity; receptor ligand activity; and receptor tyrosine kinase binding activity. Involved in several processes, including Tie signaling pathway; positive regulation of protein modification process; and regulation of vascular permeability. Acts upstream of or within with a positive effect on positive regulation of ERK1 and ERK2 cascade and positive regulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B signal transduction. Located in several cellular components, including extracellular space; membrane raft; and microvillus. Implicated in alcohol dependence; brain ischemia; diabetic retinopathy; hereditary angioedema; and hypertension. Biomarker of carcinoma (multiple); hypertension; and ovarian cancer.
RGD Description
This gene encodes a secreted glycoprotein that belongs to the angiopoietin family. Members of this family play important roles in vascular development and angiogenesis. All angiopoietins bind with similar affinity to an endothelial cell-specific tyrosine-protein kinase receptor. The protein encoded by this gene is a secreted glycoprotein that activates the receptor by inducing its tyrosine phosphorylation. It plays a critical role in mediating reciprocal interactions between the endothelium and surrounding matrix and mesenchyme and inhibits endothelial permeability. The protein also contributes to blood vessel maturation and stability, and may be involved in early development of the heart. Mutations in this gene are associated with hereditary angioedema. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2020]