This gene is a member of the insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP) family and encodes a protein with an IGFBP N-terminal domain and a thyroglobulin type-I domain. The encoded protein, mainly expressed in the liver, circulates in the plasma and binds both insulin-like growth factors (IGF
s) I and II, prolonging their half-lives and altering their interaction with cell surface receptors. This protein is important in cell migration and metabolism. Low levels of this protein may be associated with impaired glucose tolerance, vascular disease and hypertension in human patients. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2017]
The secreted protein encoded by this gene is growth factor-inducible and promotes the adhesion of endothelial cells. The encoded protein interacts with several integrins and with heparan sulfate proteoglycan. This protein also plays a role in cell proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, apopto