The C-type lectin domain containing group 14 family members CLEC14A and CD93 are proteins expressed by endothelium and are implicated in tumour angiogenesis.
Implanted tumor growth was profoundly reduced in CLEC14A-KO mice compared with that seen in WT littermates, but tumor-bearing CLEC14A-KO mice died sooner.
CLEC14a (C-type lectin domain family 14 member) is a tumor endothelial cell marker protein that is known to play an important role in tumor angiogenesis, but the basic molecular mechanisms underlying this function have not yet been clearly elucidated.
We conclude that CLEC14A-MMRN2 binding has a role in inducing sprouting angiogenesis during tumour growth, which has the potential to be manipulated in future antiangiogenic therapy design.