Semaphorins
Semaphorins
Semaphorins (pronunciation: /sɛməˈfɔːrɪnz/) are a class of proteins that are involved in regulating cellular processes, particularly those related to the development and function of the nervous system.
Etymology
The term "semaphorin" is derived from the Greek word "semaphore," which means "sign bearer." This is in reference to the role these proteins play in guiding cell movement and organization.
Function
Semaphorins are known for their role in axon guidance, a critical aspect of neural development. They are secreted, membrane-bound, and glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins that are involved in various biological processes, including immune response, angiogenesis, and apoptosis.
Semaphorins interact with plexin receptors to mediate cellular responses. They are categorized into eight classes based on their structure and sequence similarities. Classes 1 and 2 are found in invertebrates, classes 3-7 are found in vertebrates, and class V is found in viruses.
Related Terms
- Axon guidance: The process by which neurons send out axons to reach the correct targets. Semaphorins play a crucial role in this process.
- Plexin: A family of transmembrane receptors that semaphorins bind to in order to exert their effects.
- Neural development: The process by which the nervous system is formed, from the earliest stages of embryogenesis to the final stages of postnatal development.
- Immune response: The body's defensive reaction to foreign substances or organisms. Semaphorins have been found to play a role in regulating immune responses.
- Angiogenesis: The formation of new blood vessels, a process in which semaphorins are involved.
- Apoptosis: The process of programmed cell death. Some semaphorins have been found to induce apoptosis.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Semaphorins
- Wikipedia's article - Semaphorins
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski