Immediate-early protein playing a role in various cellular processes including proliferation, adhesion, migration, differentiation and survival (  ). Acts by binding to integrins or membrane receptors such as NOTCH1 ( ). Essential regulator of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell function . Inhibits myogenic differentiation through the activation of Notch-signaling pathway . Inhibits vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation by increasing expression of cell-cycle regulators such as CDKN2B or CDKN1A independently of TGFB1 signaling . Ligand of integrins ITGAV:ITGB3 and ITGA5:ITGB1, acts directly upon endothelial cells to stimulate pro-angiogenic activities and induces angiogenesis. In endothelial cells, supports cell adhesion, induces directed cell migration (chemotaxis) and promotes cell survival . Also plays a role in cutaneous wound healing acting as integrin receptor ligand. Supports skin fibroblast adhesion through ITGA5:ITGB1 and ITGA6:ITGB1 and induces fibroblast chemotaxis through ITGAV:ITGB5. Seems to enhance bFGF-induced DNA synthesis in fibroblasts . Involved in bone regeneration as a negative regulator (By similarity). Enhances the articular chondrocytic phenotype, whereas it repressed the one representing endochondral ossification . Impairs pancreatic beta-cell function, inhibits beta-cell proliferation and insulin secretion (By similarity). Plays a role as negative regulator of endothelial pro-inflammatory activation reducing monocyte adhesion, its anti-inflammatory effects occur secondary to the inhibition of NF-kappaB signaling pathway . Contributes to the control and coordination of inflammatory processes in atherosclerosis (By similarity). Attenuates inflammatory pain through regulation of IL1B- and TNF-induced MMP9, MMP2 and CCL2 expression. Inhibits MMP9 expression through ITGB1 engagement .
Subcellular locations: Secreted, Cytoplasm, Cell junction, Gap junction
Localizes at the gap junction in presence of GJA1.
Expressed in endiothelial cells (at protein level) . Expressed in bone marrow, thymic cells and nephroblastoma. Increased expression in Wilms tumor of the stromal type.