This book introduces a broad range of research fields concerning semaphorins and provides detailed information on the immune semaphorins. It explains semaphorins and their receptors as key molecules for the pathogenesis of many human diseases.

This book presents the current concepts of semaphorin biology. In the early 1990s, semaphorins were originally identified as axon guidance cues that function during neuronal development. However, cumulative findings have clarified that they have diverse functions in many physiological processes, including cardiogenesis, angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, osteoclastogenesis, retinal homeostasis, and immune regulation. Additionally, they have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various human diseases, including tumorigenesis/tumor metastasis, neuroregenerative diseases, retinal degeneration, irregular pulse/sudden death, and immune disorders. Based on this current research background, the book covers the essential state-of-the-art findings for basic scientists in biochemistry, molecular biology, neuroscience, developmental biology, and structural biology, as well as for physicians in neurology, cardiology, oncology, orthopedic surgery, otorhinolaryngology, ophthalmology, allergology, and rheumatology.

Covers the multiple physiological/pathological functions of semaphorins beyond one research field Reviews the recent studies by leading scientists in the field Helps the reader to understand the general concept of semaphorins, which consist of more than 20 family members

Autorentext

Atsushi Kumanogoh, Professor and Chair Department of Respiratory Medicine, Allergy and Rheumatic Diseases, Osaka University

Inhalt

1. Semaphorin Receptors and their Signaling.- 2. Semaphorin Regulation of Neural Circuit Assembly in the Central Nervous System.- 3. Axon Guidance in the Spinal Cord.- 4. Semaphorin and Neuronal Migration in the Central Nervous System.- 5. Structure of Semaphorins and their Receptors.- 6. Regulation of Angiogenesis and Tumor Progression by Semaphorins.- 7. Semaphorins in the Immune System.- 8. Semaphorins in Bone Homeostasis.- 9. Semaphorin in the Heart.- 10. Semaphorins and Neurodegenerative Disorders.- 11. Semaphorin in the Retinal System.