The Neuropilins: Multifunctional Semaphorin and VEGF Receptors that Modulate Axon Guidance and Angiogenesis

The neuropilin-1 (np1) and neuropilin-2 (np2) receptors function as receptors for the axon guidance factors belonging to the class-3 semaphorin subfamily. In addition, both neuropilins are able to bind to certain heparin-binding splice forms of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), indicating t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine 2002, Vol.12 (1), p.13-19
Main Authors: Neufeld, Gera, Cohen, Tzafra, Shraga, Niva, Lange, Tali, Kessler, Ofra, Herzog, Yael
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Axons - chemistry
Axons - metabolism
Endothelial Growth Factors - chemistry
Endothelial Growth Factors - physiology
Humans
Lymphokines - physiology
Mice
Neovascularization, Physiologic - physiology
Nerve Tissue Proteins - chemistry
Nerve Tissue Proteins - physiology
Neuropilin-1
Receptors, Cell Surface - chemistry
Receptors, Cell Surface - physiology
Signal Transduction
Transcription Factors - physiology
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
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Summary:The neuropilin-1 (np1) and neuropilin-2 (np2) receptors function as receptors for the axon guidance factors belonging to the class-3 semaphorin subfamily. In addition, both neuropilins are able to bind to certain heparin-binding splice forms of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), indicating that both neuropilins have roles in the cardiovascular system as well. Gene targeting experiments indicate that np1 does indeed function as an important modulator of VEGF function during vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, but the role of np2 in the cardiovascular system has not been studied in detail as yet. This review focuses on the neuropilins, their interactions, and their biological roles in the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
ISSN:1050-1738
1873-2615
DOI:10.1016/S1050-1738(01)00140-2