Protein with hypoxia-induced expression in endothelial cells. May act as a regulator of angiogenesis and modulate tumorigenesis. Inhibits proliferation, migration, and tubule formation of endothelial cells and reduces vascular leakage. May exert a protective function on endothelial cells through an endocrine action. It is directly involved in regulating glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and insulin sensitivity. In response to hypoxia, the unprocessed form of the protein accumulates in the subendothelial extracellular matrix (ECM). The matrix-associated and immobilized unprocessed form limits the formation of actin stress fibers and focal contacts in the adhering endothelial cells and inhibits their adhesion. It also decreases motility of endothelial cells and inhibits the sprouting and tube formation .
