Abstract
While semaphorins were initially identified as axonal guidance cues for wiring the neural network, it was then recognized their wide relevance in tissue development and homeostasis. Notably, semaphorin activities were also extensively studied in many types of solid tumors; however, their relevance in hematological malignancies is far from understood. In this mini-review, we surveyed the current knowledge about semaphorins and their receptors in leukemias, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma. Noteworthy, current data support a promoting role for Semaphorin 4D and Neuropilin-1 in these tumors, while Semaphorin 3A seems to consistently act as oncosuppressor in leukemias and multiple myeloma. The expression levels and functional activities of SEMA3B, SEMA3F, and Neuropilin-2 have furthermore been investigated in leukemias and lymphoma cells. Herein, we reviewed the state of the art and highlighted some of the open questions to be addressed in the field.
Highlights
The first Semaphorin was identified as repelling molecule for axonal guidance in the developing nervous system [1]
SEMA4D/CD100 was found to be expressed in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells and in normal CD5+ B lymphocytes, and its highaffinity receptor Plexin-B1 was found in bone marrow (BM) stromal cells, follicular dendritic cells, and activated T lymphocytes
Dorfman and coworkers examined SEMA4D/CD100 expression pattern in 138 cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) by immunohistochemistry [37]; most of T-cell NHL cases were positive for SEMA4D, whereas B-cell lymphomas were consistently negative for SEMA4D, including cases of small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL)/chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), follicular lymphomas, marginal zone lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Summary
While semaphorins were initially identified as axonal guidance cues for wiring the neural network, it was recognized their wide relevance in tissue development and homeostasis. Semaphorin activities were extensively studied in many types of solid tumors; their relevance in hematological malignancies is far from understood. In this mini-review, we surveyed the current knowledge about semaphorins and their receptors in leukemias, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma. Current data support a promoting role for Semaphorin 4D and Neuropilin-1 in these tumors, while Semaphorin 3A seems to consistently act as oncosuppressor in leukemias and multiple myeloma. The expression levels and functional activities of SEMA3B, SEMA3F, and Neuropilin-2 have been investigated in leukemias and lymphoma cells.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
