| Modification Notes |
Secreted leucine-rich repeat-containing proteins 1-3 (Slit1-3) are secreted glycoproteins that influence axonal guidance and mediate normal neural progression by acting as high-affinity signaling ligands for the repulsive guidance receptors, robo 1 and robo 2 (also designated Roundabout 1 and 2). Within the developing CNS of different vertebrate systems, Slit proteins are expressed in equivalent regions, suggesting there is a conservation of function for vertebrate homologs. Robo3 plays a crucial role in controlling axon guidance at the midline of the CNS. Two human robo3 isoforms, robo3A and robo3B, which differ by the insertion of 26 amino acids at the N-terminus, appear to be evolutionary conserved. Robo3 guides commissural axons by preventing premature sensitivity to Slit proteins thus inhibiting Slit signaling through robo1. Together, the robo proteins prescribe developmental paths during neural development. |