Function
Netrin receptors are cell surface proteins which bind netrins. Netrins direct cell and axon migration during development.
- Netrin attraction is mediated through DCC (Deleted in Colorectal Cancer) receptors while netrin repulsion is mediated through the UNC-5 receptor[1], [2] .
- UNC-5B receptor or UNC-5H2 is a repulsive netrin recptor in endothelial cells controlling morphogenesis of the vascular system[3].
- UNC-5D receptor may mediate the effect of netrin-4 on cortical cell survival[4].
Disease
DCC gene is deleted in most colorectal cancer patients as well as in other cancers[5].
Structural highlights
Netrin DCC receptor extracellular domain contains 4 Ig repeats followed by 6 type III fibronectin repeats. Netrin UNC-5 receptor extracellular domain contains 2 Ig repeats followed by 2 type I thrombospondin repeats.