Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)-D, also known as c-Fos-induced growth factor (FIGF), is a member of the PDGF/VEGF growth factor family. It is expressed highly in lung, heart and small intestine, and at lower levels in skeletal muscle, colon and pancreas. It binds to VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 receptors and activates downstream signals. VEGF-D is a growth factor active in angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and endothelial cell growth. It is involved in many developmental and physiological processes including the formation of venous and lymphatic vascular systems during embryogenesis and the maintenance of differentiated lymphatic endothelium in adults. In tumor pathology, it has been reported to play a role in restructuring of lymphatic channels and regional lymph node metastasis.
