The role of the neuropilins in developmental angiogenesis

Abstract

The process of angiogenesis, defined as the sprouting of new blood vessels from existing ones, is a key process in the development of the cardiovascular system and is tightly regulated by a plethora of signalling pathways. The transmembrane receptor neuropilin 1 (NRP1) is expressed in blood vascular endothelial cells to regulate angiogenesis by binding to several different ligands and receptors. Here, we provide an overview of the various functions of NRP1 in angiogenesis during both embryonic and postnatal blood vascular development with particular reference to studies that have defined these functions on the cellular and molecular level. We additionally discuss briefly possible roles for the NRP1 homolog NRP2 in vascular development and the requirements for NRP1 and NRP2 in lymphatic vascular development.