PEDF

PEDF, or Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor, is a glycoprotein identified as a potent neurotrophic and anti-angiogenic factor. It was first isolated from the conditioned medium of cultured retinal pigment epithelial cells. PEDF belongs to the serine protease inhibitor (SERPIN) superfamily, although it does not exhibit protease inhibitory activity.

This protein plays a significant role in the regulation of angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel formation. It acts as a natural inhibitor of abnormal blood vessel growth, making it relevant in conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, PEDF exhibits neuroprotective properties that support neural cell survival and inhibit neurodegeneration, indicating its potential therapeutic applications in neurodegenerative diseases.

PEDF is highly expressed in the eye, particularly in the retinal pigment epithelium, but it is also found in various tissues throughout the body, including the brain, bone, and adipose tissue. Its levels are tightly regulated, and alterations have been associated with pathological states, including cancer, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular diseases.

The molecular structure of PEDF includes a 50-kDa glycoprotein with a core region responsible for its biological activity. Its mechanisms involve binding to cell surface receptors, such as laminin receptor and others, leading to the modulation of cellular pathways involved in apoptosis, differentiation, and angiogenesis.

Due to its multifaceted roles, PEDF has garnered interest as a potential therapeutic target or agent in treating diseases characterized by abnormal angiogenesis and neurodegeneration. Ongoing research continues to explore its full biological functions and clinical applications.