Plexin A is a neuronal semaphorin receptor that controls axon guidance

Cell. 1998 Dec 23;95(7):903-16. doi: 10.1016/s0092-8674(00)81715-8.

Abstract

The Semaphorins comprise a large family of secreted and transmembrane proteins, some of which function as repellents during axon guidance. Semaphorins fall into seven subclasses. Neuropilins are neuronal receptors for class III Semaphorins. In the immune system, VESPR, a member of the Plexin family, is a receptor for a viral-encoded Semaphorin. Here, we identify two Drosophila Plexins, both of which are expressed in the developing nervous system. We present evidence that Plexin A is a neuronal receptor for class I Semaphorins (Sema 1a and Sema 1b) and show that Plexin A controls motor and CNS axon guidance. Plexins, which themselves contain complete Semaphorin domains, may be both the ancestors of classical Semaphorins and binding partners for Semaphorins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Axons / physiology*
  • COS Cells
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / chemistry
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / genetics
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / metabolism*
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / genetics
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / metabolism*
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / physiology
  • Cysteine
  • Drosophila Proteins*
  • Drosophila melanogaster / embryology
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics*
  • Gene Expression
  • Growth Cones / physiology*
  • Heterozygote
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Motor Neurons / physiology
  • Mutation
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / chemistry
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
  • Nervous System / embryology
  • Nervous System / metabolism
  • Phenotype
  • Phylogeny
  • Protein Binding
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / chemistry
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism*
  • Semaphorins*
  • Sequence Alignment

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Semaphorins
  • fasciclin II
  • plexA protein, Drosophila
  • plexB protein, Drosophila
  • plexin
  • Cysteine

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AF106932
  • GENBANK/AF106933