anastellin

anastellin

A fragment of type-III fibronectin that acts as an antiangiogenic peptide, suppressing tumour growth and metastasis. It blocks serum-dependent proliferation of microvessel endothelial cells (MVEC) by affecting extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-dependent G1-S transition, inhibiting the Ras/ERK pathway. It binds fibronectin and induces fibril formation, resulting in a fibronectin polymer (superfibronectin), which exhibits enhanced adhesive properties. Together, anastellin and superfibronectin inhibit tumour growth, angiogenesis and metastasis; anastellin activates p38 MAPK and inhibits lysophospholipid signalling.