Pigment Epithelium Derived Factor

Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF, Serpin F1) is a secreted non-inhibitory serpin first purified from retinal pigment epithelium conditioned medium. It combines potent neurotrophic and neuroprotective activities with some of the strongest anti-angiogenic effects known in the body, blocking endothelial proliferation and new-vessel growth. PEDF binds collagen and glycosaminoglycans in the extracellular matrix, is highly expressed in eye, liver and brain, and circulates in plasma. Its actions are mediated through surface interactions including the lipase PEDF-R (PNPLA2) and laminin receptor binding, influencing neuronal survival, stem cell maintenance and tumor angiogenesis. Low PEDF levels accompany diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration, making it a therapeutic candidate.