Semaphorin-3E (SEMA3E)

Semaphorin-3E is a secreted protein encoded by the SEMA3E gene on human chromosome 7. It belongs to the semaphorin family, specifically class 3 semaphorins, defined by the presence of a Sema domain and a PSI domain in the N-terminal region. Semaphorin-3E acts as an axon guidance cue in the nervous system, promoting or inhibiting neuronal growth depending on the receptor context (primarily Plexin-D1, sometimes with NRP1 or other co-receptors). Beyond neural development, it plays critical roles in endothelial cell migration, angiogenesis, and immune cell function (dendritic cells, NK cells), and its dysregulation is implicated in cancers, allergic asthma, cardiovascular development, and rare genetic syndromes. It signals mainly by binding Plexin-D1, triggering downstream pathways such as PI3K/Akt/GSK3β and activation of RasGAP activity, affecting cell migration, survival, and adhesion. Manipulation of its signaling has potential therapeutic applications, but also raises safety concerns due to its wide-ranging physiological functions.

Other names

SEMA3ESemaphorin-3EKIAA0331SEMAHM-SemaKcoll-5M-sema HM-SEMAH

Recombinant protein/agonist: Restoration of Sema-3E signaling to inhibit immune cell migration, reduce airway inflammation, or limit tumor invasiveness. Antagonist targeting Plexin-D1-Sema-3E interaction: Potentially block tumor cell migration or angiogenesis (preclinical).