Abstract
Recently, cancer progression has been linked to a trans-membrane receptor, neuropilin. Studies show that neuropilins are widely distributed in the body and these receptors appear to control the vasculirization of tumors. Neuropilins 1 and 2 are known to be involved in angiogenesis and vascular development and are receptors for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the class 3 semaphorins. Angiogenesis, which is a feature of many malignancies, is aided by increased neuropilin expression. Hence, high neuropilin expression correlates with tumor progression and poor prognosis. Attempts are being made to suppress tumor growth and invasion by employing agents that suppress angiogenesis. This is of great interest, because blockade or inhibition of these molecules may be used as therapeutic agents in cancer therapy. In this review, the molecular biology and current knowledge of neuropilins are explored with a view to identifying their therapeutic potentials. In conclusion, neuropilin targeted intervention may be relevant as anti-cancer therapy.
Highlights
Neuropilins (NP) are groups of protein receptors for class three semaphorins and members of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family, with essential roles in neuronal patterning and cardiovascular development respectively [1,2,3,4]
These proteins are non-signalling trans-membrane bound co-receptors to a tyrosine kinase receptor for both VEGF and semaphorins. They have the ability to bind with these two biologically unrelated molecules viz-class three semaphorins and VEGF family [6, 7]. These neuropilins are of two forms – Neuropilins 1 (NP1) and Neuropilins 2 (NP2)
Neutropilins function as versatile co-receptors that can bind to a number of growth factors and couple with cognate receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling pathways including fibroblasts growth factor (FGF); platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF-β) [21]
Summary
Neuropilins (NP) are groups of protein receptors for class three semaphorins and members of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family, with essential roles in neuronal patterning and cardiovascular development respectively [1,2,3,4]. These proteins are non-signalling trans-membrane bound co-receptors to a tyrosine kinase receptor for both VEGF and semaphorins. They have the ability to bind with these two biologically unrelated molecules viz-class three semaphorins and VEGF family [6, 7]. This article reviews the biological features of neuropilins with a view to assessing its anti-cancer benefits
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
