title: Neuropilin Functions as an Essential Cell Surface Receptor.
abstract: The Neuropilins (Nrps) are a family of essential cell surface receptors involved in multiple fundamental cellular signaling cascades. Nrp family members have key functions in VEGF-dependent angiogenesis and semaphorin-dependent axon guidance, controlling signaling and cross-talk between these fundamental physiological processes. More recently, Nrp function has been found in diverse signaling and adhesive functions, emphasizing their role as pleiotropic co-receptors. Pathological Nrp function has been shown to be important in aberrant activation of both canonical and alternative pathways. Here we review key recent insights into Nrp function in human health and disease.
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry and Center for Structural Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536.
authors.forename: Hou-Fu
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry and Center for Structural Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536 craig.vanderkooi@uky.edu.
authors.forename: Craig W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Vander Kooi
mesh_terms: D020816:Amino Acid Motifs; D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000378:metabolism; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008024:Ligands; D051379:Mice; D039921:Neuropilins / Q000378:metabolism*; D010641:Phenotype; D011485:Protein Binding; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D021381:Protein Transport; D039961:Semaphorins / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D008024:Ligands; D039921:Neuropilins; D039961:Semaphorins; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
keywords: VEGFR; angiogenesis; heparin-binding protein; neuropilin; protein-protein interaction; receptor structure-function; semaphorin; vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)