Milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8) is a secreted glycoprotein primarily produced by phagocytes, such as macrophages and microglia, and is widely distributed in multiple mammalian tissues and organs. MFG-E8 exerts a wide range of biological effects, extensively influencing the outcomes of tissue repair by modulating key processes such as efferocytosis, macrophage polarization, angiogenesis, and oxidative stress. While mostly exerting beneficial effects, its detrimental roles in different pathological contexts, such as tumor progression and vascular wall injury, cannot be overlooked. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the effects of MFG-E8 in tissue repair is significant for the future development of safe and effective therapeutic strategies. This review summarizes the diverse biological effects of MFG-E8, with a focus on its roles and the underlying molecular mechanisms in the tissue repair of the nervous, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and digestive systems. Furthermore, it explores the potential of MFG-E8 as a therapeutic target and its possibilities for clinical application.
Zhang et al. (Mon,) studied this question.