Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (FLT4)

Tyrosine-protein kinase that acts as a cell-surface receptor for VEGFC and VEGFD, and plays an essential role in adult lymphangiogenesis and in the development of the vascular network and the cardiovascular system during embryonic development. Promotes proliferation, migration and survival of endothelial cells, and regulates angiogenic sprouting.

Signaling by triggered FLT4 leads to improved production of VEGFC, and to a lesser degree VEGFA, thereby creating a positive feedback loop that enhances FLT4 signaling. The secreted isoform 3 may be a decoy receptor for VEGFC and/or VEGFD and play an essential part as a negative regulator of VEGFC-mediated lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis.