JavaScript seem to be disabled in your browser.
You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website.
All three VEGF receptors belong to the class III subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) characterized by the seven immunoglobulin-like loops in the extracellular domain. The expression of VEGFR-1 to -3 is almost exclusively restricted to hematopoietic precursor cells, vascular and lymphatic endothelial cells and to the monocyte/macrophage lineage. They play key roles in vasculogenesis, hematopoiesis, angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. The VEGFR3 cDNA encodes a 1298 amino acid (aa) residue precursor protein with a 23 aa residue signal peptide. Mature VEGFR3 is composed of a 751 aa residue extracellular domain, a 22 aa transmembrane domain and a 482 aa residue cytoplasmic domain. Both VEGF family members VEGFC and VEGFD have been shown to bind and activate VEGFR3. The VEGFR3 gene is widely expressed in the early embryo but becomes restricted to the lymphatic endothelial at later stages of development. It is important for lymphangiogenesis.