Neuropilin-2 (NRP-2), expressed in capillaries and smooth muscle, is involved in a signaling axis featuring both stimulatory and inhibitory pathways. Ligand interaction with NRP-2 determines the effectual pathway: stimulatory VEGF, or inhibitory Semaphorin3. VEGF interaction causes NRP-2 localization with VEGFR-2, while Semaphorin3 (SEMA3) interaction causes NRP-2 to complex with Plexin A. VEGFR-2 interaction induces permeability and angiogenesis, making this an attractive target for anti-angiogenesis treatment. Plexin A interaction induces smooth muscle relaxation, offering a target for treatment of loss of bladder contractility. We aimed to further our understanding of the necessity of NRP-2 in the VEGFR-2-mediated induction of angiogenesis and permeability by performing assays in Nrp-2 knockout (KO) mice. We also tested an inhibitor against Semaphorin3/NRP-2 binding using U87MG cell, a human glioblastoma cell line. Angiogenesis assays were largely inconclusive, but suggested that NRP-2 does play a substantial role in contributing towards vessel growth. Permeability assays showed that NRP-2 plays a significant role in induction of permeability. The Semaphorin3F/NRP-2 inhibitor showed promise as a potential therapeutic, limiting the extent of Semaphorin3-based inhibition of VEGFR-2 pathway. / 2026-02-12T00:00:00Z
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bu.edu/oai:open.bu.edu:2144/48091 |
| Date | 13 February 2024 |
| Creators | Ashok, Karthik |
| Contributors | Heaphy, Christopher, Bielenberg, Diane R. |
| Source Sets | Boston University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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