PLGF

Placental growth factor (PlGF) is the VEGF family member that binds VEGFR1 and neuropilin-1 but not VEGFR2, and is expressed chiefly by placental trophoblast, with lower levels in lung, thyroid, and other tissues. Rather than driving baseline angiogenesis, PlGF amplifies pathological neovascularization and inflammation: it displaces VEGF-A from VEGFR1, recruits monocytes and mast cells, and synergizes with VEGF-A in tumor, ischemic, and diabetic disease. Reduced circulating PlGF with elevated sFlt-1 is a diagnostic signal of preeclampsia. Recombinant PlGF supports VEGFR1-specific binding and functional assays, antibody neutralization studies, and research on placental and angiogenic disorders.