The emerging role of PEDF in stem cell biology

J Biomed Biotechnol. 2012:2012:239091. doi: 10.1155/2012/239091. Epub 2012 May 17.

Abstract

Encoded by a single gene, PEDF is a 50 kDa glycoprotein that is highly conserved and is widely expressed among many tissues. Most secreted PEDF deposits within the extracellular matrix, with cell-type-specific functions. While traditionally PEDF is known as a strong antiangiogenic factor, more recently, as this paper highlights, PEDF has been linked with stem cell biology, and there is now accumulating evidence demonstrating the effects of PEDF in a variety of stem cells, mainly in supporting stem cell survival and maintaining multipotency.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Biology
  • Eye Proteins / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Nerve Growth Factors / physiology*
  • Serpins / physiology*
  • Stem Cell Research
  • Stem Cells / physiology*

Substances

  • Eye Proteins
  • Nerve Growth Factors
  • Serpins
  • pigment epithelium-derived factor