Plexin-A1 (PLXNA1)

Plexin-A1 is a member of the plexin family of transmembrane receptors that plays a fundamental role in mediating the effects of semaphorins, particularly class 3 and class 6 semaphorins (UniProt P51805). It is highly characterized for its involvement in the nervous system, where it acts as a co-receptor with neuropilins to guide axonal growth and regulate neuronal migration during development (PubMed: 10433267). Beyond the brain, Plexin-A1 is significantly involved in the immune system, where it regulates the movement of dendritic cells and the activation of T-cells, as well as in the cardiovascular system, facilitating proper heart formation (PubMed: 25134988, 17567695). In oncology, Plexin-A1 is frequently overexpressed in various malignancies, including glioblastoma, melanoma, and lung cancer, where it contributes to tumor progression by promoting cell survival, migration, and angiogenesis (PubMed: 27150017). Therapeutic interest in Plexin-A1 centers on its potential as a target for monoclonal antibodies or small molecule inhibitors to disrupt pro-tumorigenic semaphorin signaling or to modulate immune responses in inflammatory diseases. While no Plexin-A1-specific drugs are currently approved for clinical use, its diverse roles in disease make it a compelling subject for ongoing drug discovery efforts.

Other names

PLXN1PLEXIN 1Semaphorin receptorNOV

Drugs targeting Plexin-A1 typically aim to inhibit its signaling by blocking its interaction with semaphorin ligands (like SEMA3A or SEMA6D) or by inhibiting its associated intracellular signaling cascades, such as the activation of small GTPases like Rho and R-Ras.