Neuropilin与肿瘤血管新生

Neuropilin and tumor angiogenesis

Neuropilin作为轴突导向分子collapsin/semaphorin的受体在神经发育过程中引导轴突选择正确途径以成功到达靶区 ,与此同时又可作为血管内皮生长因子受体在血管新生中发挥作用。近年neuropilin在神经系统中的作用已基本得以阐明 ,而有关其在血管新生方面的研究亦有所进展 ,并且指出neuropilin参与调节肿瘤血管新生 ,在肿瘤生长转移中发挥作用。

Neuropilin is a receptor both for semaphorins, which are mediators of neuronal guidance, and for VEGF, an angiogenesis factor. While the function of neuropilin in the nervous system has been characterized, its role in angiogenesis is also beginning to be elucidated. It has been shown that neuropilin and its soluble isoforms regulate tumor angiogenesis and subsequent tumor growth. This article reviews some of the structural and functional features of neuropilin and presents experimental evidences showing that it is a mediator of angiogenesis.