Emilin-1 have been shown to be expressed in smooth muscle and other mesenchymal tissues and is localized at the proximity of elastin and microfibrils. Emilin-1 exerts an important role in lymphatic system, being a crucial structural molecule that regulates the formation of lymphatic capillaries and collectors. Emilin-1 through the interaction with the α4β1 integrin via the C-terminal gC1q domain exerts a negative effect on proliferation. It binds pro-TGFβ preventing its maturation to mature TGFβ in the extracellular space, therefore influencing the regulation of blood and lymph vessels formation and maintenance.
