The protein encoded by this gene is a cytokine that belongs to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ligand family. This protein is abundantly expressed in endothelial cells, but is not expressed in either B or T cells. The expression of this protein is inducible by TNF and IL-1 alpha. This cytokine is a ligand for receptor TNFRSF25 and decoy receptor TNFRSF21/DR6. It can activate NF-kappaB and MAP kinases, and acts as an autocrine factor to induce apoptosis in endothelial cells. This cytokine is also found to inhibit endothelial cell proliferation, and thus may function as an angiogenesis inhibitor. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Feb 2011]
Function:
Receptor for TNFRSF25 and TNFRSF6B. Mediates activation of NF-kappa-B. Inhibits vascular endothelial growth and angiogenesis (in vitro). Promotes activation of caspases and apoptosis.
Subunit:
Homotrimer.
Subcellular Location:
Secreted and Membrane.
Tissue Specificity:
Specifically expressed in endothelial cells. Detected in monocytes, placenta, lung, liver, kidney, skeletal muscle, pancreas, spleen, prostate, small intestine and colon.
Similarity:
Belongs to the tumor necrosis factor family.
SWISS:
O95150
Gene ID:
9966
Database links:
Entrez Gene: 9966 Human
Entrez Gene: 326623 Mouse
Entrez Gene: 252878 Rat
Omim: 604052 Human
SwissProt: O95150 Human
SwissProt: Q5UBV8 Mouse
SwissProt: Q8K3Y7 Rat
Unigene: 241382 Human
Unigene: 208152 Mouse
Unigene: 84873 Rat
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