Rat Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 3 / VEGFR3 (FLT4) Protein

Background

Fms related receptor tyrosine kinase 4 (FLT4) FLT4, also known as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3), is a receptor tyrosine kinase critical for the regulation of lymphangiogenesis, the formation of lymphatic vessels. Structurally, FLT4 comprises an extracellular domain with seven immunoglobulin-like loops, a single transmembrane domain, and an intracellular tyrosine kinase domain. FLT4 binds VEGF-C and VEGF-D ligands, leading to receptor dimerization and activation of downstream signaling pathways, including the MAPK and PI3K-AKT cascades. These pathways are essential for lymphatic endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and survival. FLT4 is predominantly expressed in lymphatic endothelial cells, where it plays a pivotal role in maintaining lymphatic vessel integrity and fluid homeostasis. Dysregulation of FLT4 has been linked to lymphedema, a condition characterized by lymphatic fluid accumulation, and its overexpression has been implicated in cancer progression, where it promotes tumor lymphangiogenesis and metastasis. FLT4 is a promising therapeutic target for modulating lymphatic function in both pathological and developmental contexts.