Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor (PEDF), also known as SERPINF1. is a multifunctional glycoprotein belonging to the serine protease inhibitor (serpin) superfamily. First identified in the 1980s as a secreted factor from retinal pigment epithelial cells, PEDF gained prominence for its potent anti-angiogenic, neurotrophic, and anti-tumorigenic properties. Structurally, it comprises a 50 kDa protein with distinct functional domains mediating interactions with extracellular matrix components and cell-surface receptors like PEDF-R (PNPLA2) and laminin receptor.
PEDF plays critical roles in maintaining tissue homeostasis, particularly in the eye, where it inhibits pathological blood vessel growth (e.g., in diabetic retinopathy) and protects neurons from oxidative stress. Its anti-angiogenic activity, shown to surpass endostatin and angiostatin in potency, has spurred interest in cancer therapy research. Paradoxically, PEDF also exhibits context-dependent pro-angiogenic effects in certain tissues, highlighting its functional complexity.
PEDF antibodies are essential tools for investigating these dual roles through immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and functional neutralization experiments. Therapeutic applications are being explored, including antibody-derived biologics to either enhance PEDF's tumor-suppressive effects or block its pathological contributions in degenerative diseases. Challenges remain in understanding tissue-specific signaling mechanisms and optimizing delivery strategies for clinical translation. Current research continues to unravel PEDF's pleiotropic functions, positioning it as a promising target for diverse ocular, neurological, and oncological disorders.