Angiopoietin-1 receptor is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TEK gene. The TEK receptor tyrosine kinase is expressed almost exclusively in endothelial cells in mice, rats, and humans. This receptor possesses a unique extracellular domain containing 2 immunoglobulin-like loops separated by 3 epidermal growth factor-like repeats that are connected to 3 fibronectin type III-like repeats. The ligand for the receptor is angiopoietin-1. Defects in TEK are associated with inherited venous malformations; the TEK signaling pathway appears to be critical for endothelial cell-smooth muscle cell communication in venous morphogenesis. TEK is closely related to the TIE receptor tyrosine kinase. [provided by RefSeq]. Publication Note: This RefSeq record includes a subset of the publications that are available for this gene. Please see the Gene record to access additional publications.
This protein is a protein tyrosine-kinase transmembrane receptor for angiopoietin 1. It may constitute the earliest mammalian endothelial cell lineage marker. Probably regulates endothelial cell proliferation, differentiation and guides the proper patterning of endothelial cells during blood vessel formation.