Structure of functional neuropilin-centred class 3 semaphorin and VEGF receptors

Abstract

Neuropilin functions as a co-receptor for multiple cell surface signalling systems; in particular it regulates VEGF and semaphorin signalling through their respective receptors. The molecular characteristics of neuropilin, the VEGF and semaphorin signalling complexes and their multiple interaction modes have been extensively investigated by structural and biophysical analyses. Much has been learned about the molecular mechanisms by which neuropilin acts as an interaction hub, but the complexities of neuropilin function still pose many questions.