VEGF Receptor 1 (also known as FLT) belongs to the src gene family and shows tyrosine protein kinase activity that is important for the control of cell proliferation and differentiation. The protein acts as a receptor for VEGF, VEGFB and PGF. An alternatively spliced form of the gene produces a soluble protein (sFlt1) which binds vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) with high affinity. sFlt1 has a higher affinity for VEGF indicating that it may function as an inhibitor in the VEGF response. VEGF Receptor 1 is specifically expressed in most vascular endothelial cells and peripheral blood monocytes.
