Cloning and characterization of developmental endothelial locus-1: an embryonic endothelial cell protein that binds the alpha v beta3 integrin receptor

A unique endothelial cell locus (Del1) regulated developmentally has been identified. Researchers were able to make use of an enhancer trap event in a transgenic mouse line. The protein encoded in the locus has three EFG-like repeats homologous to those in Notch and related proteins. Included are an EFG-like repeat that has an RGD motif and two discoidin I-like domains. Del1 is a matrix protein. It promotes adhesion of endothelial cells using interaction with the alpha v beta3 integrin receptor. Del1 is a new ligand for the alpha v beta3 integrin receptor and may regulate vascular morphogenesis or remodeling in embryonic development.