title: Contribution of semaphorins to the formation of the peripheral nervous system in higher vertebrates.
abstract: Semaphorins are a large family of proteins characterized by sema domains and play a key role not only in the formation of neural circuits, but in the immune system, angiogenesis, tumor progression, and bone metabolism. To date, 15 semaphorins have been reported to be involved in the formation of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) in higher vertebrates. A number of experiments have revealed their functions in the PNS, where they act mainly as axonal guidance cues (as repellents or attractants). Semaphorins also play an important role in the migration of neurons and formation of sensory-motor connections in the PNS. This review summarizes recent knowledge regarding the functions of higher vertebrate semaphorins in the formation of the PNS.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Neurobiology , Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba , Ibaraki , Japan.|b Doctoral and Master's Programs in Kansei , Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba , Ibaraki , Japan.
authors.forename: Tomoyuki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Masuda
authors.affiliation: c Department of Cell Science , Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine , Hokkaido , Japan.
authors.forename: Masahiko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Taniguchi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D017933:Peripheral Nervous System / Q000378:metabolism*; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000378:metabolism; D039961:Semaphorins / Q000378:metabolism*; D014714:Vertebrates / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D039961:Semaphorins
keywords: axon guidance; chemoattraction; chemorepulsion; chick; higher vertebrates; mouse