Semaphorin 3A polyclonal antibody

Semaphorins (SEMAs) comprise a family of cell surface and secreted proteins that are conserved from insects to humans. Members of this family of proteins are approximately 750 amino acids in length (including signal sequences) and are defined by a conserved extracellular “semaphorin” domain of approxi_x0002_mately 500 amino acids containing 14-16 cysteines, many blocks of conserved sequences and no obvious repeats. Secreted and cell-bound semaphorins are known to chemically attract and repel the growth of neural axons, guiding the development of intricate networks of neural tissue. In addition to their role in axonal guidance, semaphorins have also been associated with the progression of cancer. Many semaphorins bind to the receptors neuropilin and neuropilin_x0002_2, thus competing with VEGF for this interaction, which ultimately results in the suppression of angiogenesis. The loss of functional semaphorins to com_x0002_pete with VEGF may play an important role in tumor progression.