PLGF3 Human
Description
Product Specs
Product Science Overview
Placental Growth Factor-3 (PlGF-3) is an angiogenic factor that belongs to the cysteine-knot superfamily of growth factors. It is one of the isoforms of the Placental Growth Factor (PlGF), which plays a crucial role in angiogenesis, the process of forming new blood vessels from pre-existing ones. PlGF-3 is expressed exclusively in the placenta and is involved in various physiological processes, particularly during pregnancy.
PlGF-3 is one of the four known isoforms of PlGF, which are produced through alternative splicing of the PGF gene. The other isoforms are PlGF-1, PlGF-2, and PlGF-4. PlGF-3 contains an in-frame insertion loop of 72 amino acids between exons IV and V, close to the C-terminal end of PlGF-1 . This unique structure distinguishes it from the other isoforms.
PlGF-3 is primarily expressed in the placenta, where it is prominently associated with cellular membranes . It signals through the VEGFR-1/FLT1 receptor and stimulates endothelial cell proliferation and migration . Unlike PlGF-2, PlGF-3 lacks heparin-binding affinity . The protein is a 45.7 kDa disulfide-linked homodimeric protein composed of two 203 amino acid polypeptide chains .
PlGF-3 plays a significant role in angiogenesis and endothelial cell growth. It stimulates the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells, which are essential for the formation of new blood vessels . This activity is crucial during pregnancy, as it supports the growth and differentiation of trophoblasts, the cells that form the outer layer of the blastocyst and provide nutrients to the embryo .
PlGF has been established as a biomarker for the prediction and diagnosis of pre-eclampsia, a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems . However, the specific role of PlGF-3 in this context is less clear. Studies have shown that PlGF-3 levels are below the detection limit in most serum samples collected during pregnancy, indicating that it may not be a reliable biomarker for pre-eclampsia . Nevertheless, higher amounts of PlGF-3 have been detected in placental tissue samples, suggesting its importance in placental function .
Recombinant Human PlGF-3 is produced using E. coli expression systems. It is used in research to study its biological activities and potential therapeutic applications. The recombinant protein is highly purified, with a purity of ≥ 95% as determined by SDS-PAGE gel and HPLC analyses . It is biologically active and can chemoattract human monocytes at concentrations ranging from 5.0 to 50.0 ng/ml .
