Overview:

FLT4 or fms-related tyrosine kinase 4 is a tyrosine kinase receptor for vascular endothelial growth factors C and D and highly expressed in lymphangiogenesis and maintenance of the lymphatic endothelium. FLT4 is a marker for lymphatic vessels and some high endothelial venules in human adult tissues and also supported the theory of the venous origin of lymphatic vessels (1). FLT4 plays an essential role in the development of the embryonic cardiovascular system before the emergence of the lymphatic vessels (2).

Gene Aliases:

VEGFR3; FLT41; LMPH1A; PCL

Genbank Number:

NM_002020

References:

1. Kaipainen, A. et.al: Expression of the fms-like tyrosine kinase 4 gene becomes restricted to lymphatic endothelium during development. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 92: 3566-3570, 1995.

2. Dumont, D. J. et..al: Cardiovascular failure in mouse embryos deficient in VEGF receptor-3. Science 282: 946-949, 1998.