EGFL7 (Epidermal Growth Factor-like domain-containing protein 7) is a secreted protein belonging to the epidermal growth factor (EGF) superfamily. It is primarily expressed in endothelial cells and plays critical roles in vascular development, angiogenesis, and cellular migration during embryogenesis and tissue repair. EGFL7 interacts with extracellular matrix components and cell surface receptors, modulating Notch and integrin signaling pathways. Its expression is tightly regulated in healthy adults but is reactivated in pathological conditions, including cancer, inflammation, and vascular disorders.
EGFL7 antibodies are tools designed to detect, quantify, or inhibit EGFL7 protein activity. In research, these antibodies are widely used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and ELISA to study EGFL7's expression patterns in tissues or biofluids. Overexpression of EGFL7 has been linked to tumor progression, metastasis, and poor prognosis in cancers such as glioblastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and leukemia. Consequently, EGFL7 antibodies are explored for therapeutic applications, including blocking EGFL7-mediated angiogenesis or enhancing drug delivery by normalizing abnormal tumor vasculature.
Clinical studies also investigate EGFL7 as a potential biomarker for disease monitoring. Its dual role in physiological repair and pathological processes makes EGFL7 a compelling target, with antibodies serving as both diagnostic agents and candidates for anti-angiogenic therapies.