MFGE8 may function as a cell adhesion protein to connect smooth muscle to elastic fibers in arteries.[7] An amyloid fragment of MFGE8 known as medin accumulates in the aorta with aging.[8] MFGE8 in the vasculature of adults can induce recovery from ischemia by facilitating angiogenesis.[9] It has been suggested that antagonizing MFGE8-induced angiogenesis could be a way of fighting cancer.[10]
MFGE8 contains a phosphatidylserine (PS) binding domain, as well as an arginine-glycine-aspartic acid motif, which enables the binding to integrins. MFGE8 binds PS, which is exposed on the surface of apoptotic cells.[11] Opsonization of the apoptotic cells and binding to integrins on the surface of phagocytic cells, mediates the engulfment of the dead cell.
