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Semaphorins and their Signaling Mechanisms
Laura Taylor Alto1, Jonathan R Terman2
1Departments of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|October 28, 2016
Summary
Semaphorins are signaling proteins crucial for tissue development. These proteins regulate cell shape and movement across many systems, impacting human health and disease.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Semaphorins are a diverse family of extracellular signaling proteins.
- They are characterized by a conserved sema domain and play roles in development.
- Initially known for axon guidance, their functions are now recognized more broadly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse roles of semaphorins in development and disease.
- To highlight semaphorin signaling mechanisms, particularly through Plexin receptors.
- To underscore the importance of understanding semaphorin fine-tuning for physiological outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of semaphorin research.
- Analysis of semaphorin protein family structures and functions.
- Examination of semaphorin signaling pathways and receptor interactions.
Main Results:
- Semaphorins regulate morphology and motility in numerous cell types and systems.
- Semaphorin signaling primarily involves Plexin receptors, altering cytoskeletal and adhesive properties.
- Fine-tuning of semaphorin signaling through receptor complexes dictates specific cellular outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Semaphorins are critical regulators of cellular processes essential for organ and tissue development.
- Understanding semaphorin signaling complexity is vital for comprehending development and human diseases.
- Further research into semaphorin mechanisms will advance knowledge of both normal development and pathology.
Keywords:
Axon guidanceCell morphologyCellular guidanceInhibitionMotilityNavigationNeuropilinPlexinRepulsive signalingSemaphorinSignaling to the cytoskeletonMore Related Videos
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