Platelet Factor 4 Variant 1 (PF4-V1), also known as CXCL4L1, is a natural non-allelic gene variant of the CXC chemokine Platelet Factor 4 (PF4 or CXCL4). PF4-V1 is a recombinant protein that has been studied for its unique properties and potential therapeutic applications, particularly in the field of oncology and angiogenesis inhibition .
PF4-V1 is typically produced using recombinant DNA technology. The gene encoding PF4-V1 is cloned into an expression vector, which is then introduced into a host cell, such as E. coli. The host cells are cultured, and the recombinant protein is expressed and subsequently purified. The mature protein of PF4-V1 differs from authentic PF4 only in three carboxy-terminal amino acids, which results in distinct biological properties .
PF4-V1 exhibits different properties and cellular functions compared to PF4. It has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels form from pre-existing vessels. This property makes PF4-V1 a promising candidate for anti-tumor therapies, as it can inhibit the growth and metastasis of various tumors by preventing the formation of new blood vessels that supply nutrients to the tumor .
PF4-V1 exerts its anti-angiogenic effects by inhibiting endothelial cell chemotaxis and proliferation. It binds to heparin-like molecules with high affinity, neutralizing their effects and promoting blood coagulation. Additionally, PF4-V1 has been shown to interact with specific receptors on the surface of endothelial cells, leading to the inhibition of angiogenesis .
The expression and activity of PF4-V1 are regulated by various factors, including cytokines and growth factors. Changes in the expression of PF4-V1 have been associated with different pathological conditions, such as cancer and inflammatory diseases. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of PF4-V1 is crucial for developing targeted therapies that can modulate its activity for therapeutic purposes .