MFGE8 may function as a cell adhesion protein to connect smooth muscle to elastic fibers in arteries. An
amyloid fragment of MFGE8 known as medin accumulates in the aorta with
aging. MFGE8 in the vasculature of adults can induce recovery from
ischemia by facilitating
angiogenesis. It has been suggested that antagonizing MFGE8-induced angiogenesis could be a way of fighting cancer. MFGE8 contains a
phosphatidylserine (PS) binding domain, as well as an
arginine-glycine-aspartic acid motif, which enables the binding to
integrins. MFGE8 binds PS, which is exposed on the surface of
apoptotic cells.
Opsonization of the apoptotic cells and binding to integrins on the surface of
phagocytic cells, mediates the engulfment of the dead cell. ==References==