Function
Netrins (Net) direct cell and axon migration during development. Netrins are chemotropic. The growing axon moves either toward or away from netrin concentration. Netrins influence the formation of a variety of tissues. They act as chemoattractants for some cell types and chemorepellent for other types[1].
- Netrin-1 is a secreted protein while netrin-G2 is GPI-anchored membrane protein.
- Netrin-4 promotes neurite elongation at low concentration and inhibits neurite elongation at high concentration[2].
- Netrin-G1 promotes the growth of dorsal thalamic axons.
Relevance
Netrin-1 is over-expressed in glioblastoma tumor[3]. Netrin-1 is a therapeutic target in cardiovascular diseases[4].
Structural highlights
The N-terminal of netrin-1 is homologous to the N-terminal type I domain of laminin (LN) followed by 3 cysteine-rich epidermal growth factor repeats.
- . Water molecules are shown as red spheres.
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