The applied biochemistry of PEDF and implications for tissue homeostasis

Abstract

Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is an endogenously produced glycoprotein with a spectrum of biological roles across diverse pathologies. Recent research has focused on the biochemical properties of PEDF and its associated receptors. This review discusses the recent developments in PEDF biochemistry and how this new knowledge will help progress our understanding of PEDF as a molecular mediator for anti-angiogenesis and -tumorigenesis. Additionally, pathophysiological roles for PEDF in healing and tissue homeostasis are being revealed and our enhanced understanding of the interactions between PEDF and its receptors may yet prove useful in propelling PEDF towards clinical application.

Figure 1

Illustration of the 3D structure of PEDF showing structural features associated to function. The backbone tracing of the PEDF polypeptide is shown in grey. The 34-mer (green) and 44-mer (orange) peptide regions are shown in tube representations. The required acidic residues (red) for collagen binding, the required basic residues (blue) for heparin binding, the phosphorylation sites Ser114 and Ser227 (green and orange, respectively) and glycosylation site Asn285 with sugar attachment (fuchsia) are all shown in ball-and-stick representations. From left to right, each view is rotated (vertical axis) about 90° from the previous one, and has the RCL oriented to the top of the figure.