Microfibril-associated glycoprotein 4 (MFAP4)

Microfibril-associated glycoprotein 4 (MFAP4) is a secreted, 36 kDa extracellular matrix glycoprotein belonging to the fibrinogen-related protein superfamily and is primarily localized to elastic fiber-rich tissues such as lungs and vasculature[1][3][9]. MFAP4 plays a key role in elastic fiber assembly and extracellular matrix architecture by forming oligomers (including octamers) and binding to elastogenic proteins such as fibrillin-1, fibrillin-2, tropoelastin, and collagen[1][2][6][9]. It mediates protein-protein and cell-matrix interactions through an RGD motif, enabling direct binding to integrins (notably αvβ3), which promotes cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation[1][10][9]. MFAP4 is implicated in several diseases—especially those involving connective tissue remodeling or fibrosis—and is under active investigation as a biomarker for cardiovascular, pulmonary, hepatic, and neoplastic disorders[4][6][9]. Although it has significant associations with disease and tissue structure, there are currently no drugs or targeted therapies known to act directly on MFAP4[1][2][4][9].

Other names

Microfibril-associated protein 4MFAP4Microfibril-associated glycoprotein 4Microfibrillar-associated protein 4