Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
08:26
A Quantitative Cell Migration Assay for Murine Enteric Neural Progenitors
Published on: September 18, 2013
Netrin-1 in the developing enteric nervous system and colorectal cancer
Suh Youn Ko1, Crispin R Dass, Kulmira Nurgali
1School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Victoria University, St Albans 3021, Australia.
Trends in Molecular Medicine
|August 28, 2012
Summary
Netrin-1 guides neurons and regulates tumors. Its receptors, DCC and UNC-5H, mediate cell death signals, offering therapeutic potential for colorectal cancer and nerve regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Netrin-1 is a chemoattractant crucial for enteric nervous system (ENS) development.
- Netrin-1 also plays a role in tumorigenesis.
- Its receptors, DCC and UNC-5H, are dependence receptors influencing apoptosis based on netrin-1 availability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the dual roles of netrin-1 in neuronal guidance and cancer.
- To highlight the significance of netrin-1 receptors (DCC, UNC-5H) in apoptosis.
- To identify research gaps for therapeutic targeting of netrin-1.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of netrin-1's functions.
- Analysis of netrin-1 receptor signaling pathways.
- Examination of netrin-1's role in axonal regeneration and colorectal cancer.
Main Results:
- Netrin-1 acts as a chemoattractant in ENS development.
- Netrin-1 signaling through DCC and UNC-5H receptors can induce or prevent apoptosis.
- The dual role of netrin-1 presents therapeutic opportunities and challenges.
Conclusions:
- Netrin-1 has a complex role in both neuronal development and cancer.
- Understanding netrin-1/receptor interactions is key for therapeutic strategies.
- Further research is needed to optimize netrin-1 for axonal regeneration in colorectal cancer therapy.
Related Concept Videos
01:12Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Notch signaling was first discovered in Drosophila melanogaster, where it is involved in cell lineage differentiation. Notch signaling regulates the maintenance and differentiation of intestinal stem cells or ISCs by controlling the expression of atonal homolog 1 or Atoh1. Atoh1 directs cells to differentiate into secretory cells.
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
01:11Enteric Nervous System: Regulation of GI Motor Activity
The Enteric Nervous System (ENS) plays a pivotal role in regulating gastrointestinal or GI motor activity. This complex network of nerves, deeply embedded within the gut wall, responds to changes in the gut environment and receives input from both the autonomic nervous system and the central nervous system. By doing so, the ENS operates various programs tailored to the body's nutritional status and needs.
During periods of fasting, the ENS initiates the migrating myoelectric complex, a program...
During periods of fasting, the ENS initiates the migrating myoelectric complex, a program...
01:19Cadherins in Tissue Organization
The cadherins are a superfamily of cell adhesion molecules comprising over 180 variants, with specific tissues expressing a particular combination of cadherin types. Cadherins generally exhibit homophilic binding; i.e., cadherins on one cell bind to cadherins of the same or closely related type on another cell. Thus, cells of the same type have a specific affinity to bind to each other and sort themselves into clusters to form tissues.
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...
01:28Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
Neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptors are distributed across the GI tract, vagal afferents, and key CNS regions including the central vomiting center and chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) Chemotherapy agents stimulate enterochromaffin cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to release large amounts of substance P (SP). SP is a neuropeptide released by specific sensory nerves in response to many different stressors, including those in the GI mucosa affected by chemotherapy. SP binds and activates these...
01:23Renewal of Intestinal Stem Cells
The intestinal epithelial lining rapidly renews every 4 to 5 days. The renewal is facilitated by intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the base of the crypt– a gland located at the bottom of each villus. ISCs divide asymmetrically to form new stem cells and progenitor daughter cells. The daughter cells are called transit-amplifying (TA) cells which move upwards along the crypt and either differentiate into absorptive cells– the enterocytes or secretory cells– including the goblet,...
01:22Role of Ephrin-Eph Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma receptor (Eph) and its ligand, Eph receptor-interacting protein (Ephrin) were first discovered in the human carcinoma cell line, hence the name. Ephrin-Eph interaction guides cells to reach their appropriate location in adult tissues. They also play an essential role in the immune system by helping in immune cell migration, adhesion, and activation. Based on their structure and function, Eph is divided into two classes — EphA and EphB.