Immediate-early protein playing a role in various cellular processes including proliferation, adhesion, migration, differentiation and survival(PubMed:15181016, PubMed:15611078, PubMed:12695522, PubMed:21344378, PubMed:12050162). Acts by binding to integrins or membrane receptors such as NOTCH1(PubMed:12695522, PubMed:21344378, PubMed:15611078). Essential regulator of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell function(PubMed:17463287). Inhibits myogenic differentiation through the activation of Notch-signaling pathway(PubMed:12050162). Inhibits vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation by increasing expression of cell-cycle regulators such as CDKN2B or CDKN1A independently of TGFB1 signaling(PubMed:20139355). Ligand of integrins ITGAV:ITGB3 and ITGA5:ITGB1, acts directly upon endothelial cells to stimulate pro-angiogenic activities and induces angiogenesis. In endothelial cells, supports cell adhesion, induces directed cell migration(chemotaxis) and promotes cell survival(PubMed:12695522). Plays also a role in cutaneous wound healing acting as integrin receptor ligand. Supports skin fibroblast adhesion through ITGA5:ITGB1 and ITGA6:ITGB1 and induces fibroblast chemotaxis through ITGAV:ITGB5. Seems to enhance bFGF-induced DNA synthesis in fibroblasts(PubMed:15611078). Involved in bone regeneration as a negative regulator(By similarity). Enhances the articular chondrocytic phenotype, whereas it repressed the one representing endochondral ossification(PubMed:21871891). Impairs pancreatic beta-cell function, inhibits beta-cell proliferation and insulin secretion(By similarity). Plays a role as negative regulator of endothelial pro-inflammatory activation reducing monocyte adhesion, its anti-inflammatory effects occur secondary to the inhibition of NF-kappaB signaling pathway(PubMed:21063504). Contributes to the control and coordination of inflammatory processes in atherosclerosis(By similarity). Attenuates inflammatory pain through regulation of IL1B-and TNF-induced MMP9, MMP2 and CCL2 expression. Inhibits MMP9 expression through ITGB1 engagement(PubMed:21871891).