VEGI/TL1 (TNFSF15) Active Protein

The protein encoded by this gene is a cytokine that belongs to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ligand family. This protein is abundantly expressed in endothelial cells, but is not expressed in either B or T cells. The expression of this protein is inducible by TNF and IL-1 alpha. This cytokine is a ligand for receptor TNFRSF25 and decoy receptor TNFRSF21/DR6. It can activate NF-kappaB and MAP kinases, and acts as an autocrine factor to induce apoptosis in endothelial cells. This cytokine is also found to inhibit endothelial cell proliferation, and thus may function as an angiogenesis inhibitor. Two transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Feb 2011]

TNFSF15: Receptor for TNFRSF25 and TNFRSF6B. Mediates activation of NF-kappa-B. Inhibits vascular endothelial growth and angiogenesis (in vitro). Promotes activation of caspases and apoptosis. Belongs to the tumor necrosis factor family. 3 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.

Protein type: Membrane protein, integral; Apoptosis; Cytokine

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 9q32

Cellular Component: extracellular space; integral to plasma membrane; plasma membrane; integral to membrane

Molecular Function: death receptor binding; cytokine activity; tumor necrosis factor receptor binding; receptor binding

Biological Process: caspase activation; cytokine metabolic process; activation of NF-kappaB-inducing kinase; immune response; signal transduction; positive regulation of cytokine secretion