VEGF R2

Kinase insert domain receptor (KDR) is also known as CD309, FLK1, VEGFR, VEGFR2, and is one of the subtypes of VEGFR. VEGF receptors are receptors for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). There are three main subtypes of VEGFR, numbered 1, 2 and 3. The VEGF receptors have an extracellular portion consisting of 7 immunoglobulin-like domains, a single transmembrane spanning region and an intracellular portion containing a split tyrosine-kinase domain. VEGF-A binds to VEGFR-1 (Flt-1) and VEGFR-2 (KDR/Flk-1). VEGFR-2 appears to mediate almost all of the known cellular responses to VEGF.The function of VEGFR-1 is less well defined, although it is thought to modulate VEGFR-2 signaling. Another function of VEGFR-1 may be to act as a dummy/decoy receptor, sequestering VEGF from VEGFR-2 binding (this appears to be particularly important during vasculogenesis in the embryo). In addition, VEGFR2 is able to interact with HIV-1 extracellular Tat protein upon VEGF activation, and seems to enhance angiogenesis in Kaposi's sarcoma lesions.