Semaphorins and their receptors in vertebrates and invertebrates

Curr Opin Neurobiol. 2000 Feb;10(1):88-94. doi: 10.1016/s0959-4388(99)00057-4.

Abstract

The semaphorins are a family of intercellular signaling proteins that has grown to include 19 identified members in higher vertebrates. Several of its members act as axonal guidance molecules. One participates in signaling in the immune system. The majority, however, do not yet have known biological functions. Recent studies have shown that neuropilins and plexins act as receptors for semaphorins. The most important challenge for the future is to define the biological roles of semaphorins in vivo.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Axons / metabolism*
  • Cell Movement
  • Gene Deletion
  • Glycoproteins / genetics
  • Glycoproteins / metabolism*
  • Invertebrates
  • Mice
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism*
  • Nervous System / cytology
  • Nervous System / embryology
  • Nervous System / growth & development
  • Nervous System / metabolism
  • Neuropilin-1
  • Semaphorin-3A
  • Signal Transduction
  • Vertebrates

Substances

  • Glycoproteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Semaphorin-3A
  • Neuropilin-1