Growth factor active in angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis and endothelial cell growth, stimulating their proliferation and migration and also has effects on the permeability of blood vessels. May function in the formation of the venous and lymphatic vascular systems during embryogenesis, and also in the maintenance of differentiated lymphatic endothelium in adults. Binds and activates VEGFR-3 (Flt4) receptor. Homodimer; non-covalent and antiparallel. Highly expressed in fetal and adult lung. Expressed in a dynamic pattern in several body structures and organs of the embryo such as limb buds, acoustic ganglion, teeth, heart, anterior pituitary as well as lung and kidney mesenchyme, liver, derma, and periosteum of the vertebral column. By the transcription factor c-fos. Undergoes a complex proteolytic maturation which generates a variety of processed secreted forms with increased activity toward VEGFR-3 and VEGFR-2. VEGF-D first form an antiparallel homodimer linked by disulfide bonds before secretion. The fully processed VEGF-D is composed mostly of two VEGF homology domains (VHDs) bound by non-covalent interactions (By similarity). Belongs to the PDGF/VEGF growth factor family.