The β-endothelial cell growth factor (b-ECGF) gene encodes an angiogenic factor, and is mapped to human chromosome 11q13.1. Recombinant, human b-endothelial cell growth factor (b-ECGF) is a 14 amino acid N-terminal extension of acidic fibroblast growth factor. It is expressed in Escherichia coli. The 154 amino acid recombinant protein, generated after removal of the initiation methionine, has a predicted molecular mass of about 17 kDa.
β-Endothelial cell growth factor (β-ECGF) is a potent endothelial cell mitogen and its mitogenic activity is potentiated by heparin. β-ECGF stimulates the growth of quiescent HUVEC cells in culture. β-ECGF is associated with lipid and glucose metabolism. This growth factor induces neovascularization in disease conditions. Upregulation of β-ECGF is observed in diabetic retinopathy, and polycystic ovary syndrome. It is also associated with tumor proliferation and invasion. β-ECGF increases fatty acid transport proteins expression to improve endothelial mediated lipid transpor.
