PLVAP, His, Human

Plasmalemma vesicle-associated protein (PLVAP, also called PV-1) is the only protein that forms endothelial diaphragms. PLVAP expression is very low in the normal blood-retinal barrier, however, pathological factors such as high glucose and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induce its expression, leading to the exacerbation of cellular permeability. Because the new blood vessels are fragile and leaky, PLVAP could possibly be considered a therapeutic target against retinovascular diseases.