Semaphorin 3a (SEMA3A) Active Protein

This gene is a member of the semaphorin family and encodes a protein with an Ig-like C2-type (immunoglobulin-like) domain, a PSI domain and a Sema domain. This secreted protein can function as either a chemorepulsive agent, inhibiting axonal outgrowth, or as a chemoattractive agent, stimulating the growth of apical dendrites. In both cases, the protein is vital for normal neuronal pattern development. Increased expression of this protein is associated with schizophrenia and is seen in a variety of human tumor cell lines. Also, aberrant release of this protein is associated with the progression of Alzheimer's disease. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

SEMA3A: Induces the collapse and paralysis of neuronal growth cones. Could serve as a ligand that guides specific growth cones by a motility-inhibiting mechanism. Binds to the complex neuropilin-1/plexin-1. Belongs to the semaphorin family.

Protein type: Secreted, signal peptide; Secreted; Motility/polarity/chemotaxis

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 7p12.1

Cellular Component: membrane; axon; dendrite; extracellular region

Molecular Function: chemorepellent activity; receptor activity; semaphorin receptor binding

Biological Process: trigeminal nerve structural organization; axon guidance; facial nerve structural organization; apoptosis; regulation of heart rate; olfactory bulb development; dendrite morphogenesis; axonal fasciculation; neuron migration; negative chemotaxis; negative regulation of axon extension involved in axon guidance; axon extension involved in axon guidance; gonadotrophin-releasing hormone neuronal migration to the hypothalamus; sympathetic nervous system development; branchiomotor neuron axon guidance; regulation of axon extension involved in axon guidance; nerve development; sensory system development

Disease: Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism 16 With Or Without Anosmia