Neuropilin 2 (NRP2) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NRP2 gene. [5] [6]
This gene encodes a member of the neuropilin family of receptor proteins. NRP2 is expressed by a wide variety of cell types. The transmembrane protein has been reported to bind to SEMA3C, SEMA3F, VEGF-A, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, TGFβ, integrins and ANGPTL4 to promote downstream signaling pathways. Consequently, NRP2 is known to play a role in cardiovascular development, axon guidance, tumorigenesis, inflammation and cardiovascular disease. [7] [8] [9] [10] Multiple transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms have been identified for this gene. [11]
Angiogenesis is the physiological process through which new blood vessels form from pre-existing vessels, formed in the earlier stage of vasculogenesis. Angiogenesis continues the growth of the vasculature mainly by processes of sprouting and splitting, but processes such as coalescent angiogenesis, vessel elongation and vessel cooption also play a role. Vasculogenesis is the embryonic formation of endothelial cells from mesoderm cell precursors, and from neovascularization, although discussions are not always precise. The first vessels in the developing embryo form through vasculogenesis, after which angiogenesis is responsible for most, if not all, blood vessel growth during development and in disease.
Vascular endothelial growth factor, originally known as vascular permeability factor (VPF), is a signal protein produced by many cells that stimulates the formation of blood vessels. To be specific, VEGF is a sub-family of growth factors, the platelet-derived growth factor family of cystine-knot growth factors. They are important signaling proteins involved in both vasculogenesis and angiogenesis.
Neuropilin is a protein receptor active in neurons.
VEGF receptors (VEGFRs) are receptors for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). There are three main subtypes of VEGFR, numbered 1, 2 and 3. Depending on alternative splicing, they may be membrane-bound (mbVEGFR) or soluble (sVEGFR).
A plexin is a protein which acts as a receptor for semaphorin family signaling proteins. It is classically known for its expression on the surface of axon growth cones and involvement in signal transduction to steer axon growth away from the source of semaphorin. Plexin also has implications in development of other body systems by activating GTPase enzymes to induce a number of intracellular biochemical changes leading to a variety of downstream effects.
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the FLT1 gene.
Kinase insert domain receptor also known as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) is a VEGF receptor. KDR is the human gene encoding it. KDR has also been designated as CD309. KDR is also known as Flk1.
Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) is a protein that is a member of the platelet-derived growth factor / vascular endothelial growth factor (PDGF/VEGF) family. It is encoded in humans by the VEGFC gene, which is located on chromosome 4q34.
Neuropilin-1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the NRP1 gene. In humans, the neuropilin 1 gene is located at 10p11.22. This is one of two human neuropilins.
Placental growth factor(PlGF) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the PGF gene.
Semaphorin-3A is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SEMA3A gene.
Plexin B1 is a protein of the plexin family that in humans is encoded by the PLXNB1 gene.
Semaphorin-3F is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SEMA3F gene.
Semaphorin-3C is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SEMA3C gene.
Plexin-A1 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the PLXNA1 gene.
Vascular endothelial growth factor B also known as VEGF-B is a protein that, in humans, is encoded by the VEGF-B gene. VEGF-B is a growth factor that belongs to the vascular endothelial growth factor family, of which VEGF-A is the best-known member.
Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the VEGFA gene.
Slit-Robo is the name of a cell signaling protein complex with many diverse functions including axon guidance and angiogenesis.
The growth cone is a highly dynamic structure of the developing neuron, changing directionality in response to different secreted and contact-dependent guidance cues; it navigates through the developing nervous system in search of its target. The migration of the growth cone is mediated through the interaction of numerous trophic and tropic factors; netrins, slits, ephrins and semaphorins are four well-studied tropic cues (Fig.1). The growth cone is capable of modifying its sensitivity to these guidance molecules as it migrates to its target; this sensitivity regulation is an important theme seen throughout development.
Neuroangiogenesis is the coordinated growth of nerves and blood vessels. The nervous and blood vessel systems share guidance cues and cell-surface receptors allowing for this synchronised growth. The term neuroangiogenesis only came into use in 2002 and the process was previously known as neurovascular patterning. The combination of neurogenesis and angiogenesis is an essential part of embryonic development and early life. It is thought to have a role in pathologies such as endometriosis, brain tumors, and Alzheimer's disease.