The Vang family of proteins are integral membrane proteins that are homologs of the Drosophila tissue polarity gene strabismus. The gene encoding for Van Gogh-like protein 1 (Vangl1), also designated Strabismus 2 (STB2), localizes to chromosome 1p11-p13.1. Van Gogh-like protein 2 (Vangl2), also designated Strabismus1 (STB1), localizes on chromosome 1q22-q23. Vangl1 is expressed in testis and ovary, but also in gastric and pancreatic cancer. Vangl proteins play a key developmental role in establishing planar cell polarity (PCP) and in regulating convergent extension (CE) movements during embryogenesis. Vangl1 and Vangl2 are both down-regulated in several cancer cell lines and primary tumors.
Involved in the control of early morphogenesis and patterning of both axial midline structures and the development of neural plate. Plays a role in the regulation of planar cell polarity, particularly in the orientation of stereociliary bundles in the cochlea. Required for polarization and movement of myocardializing cells in the outflow tract and seems to act via RHOA signaling to regulate this process.