Semaphorin-3F (SEMA3F)

Semaphorin-3F is a secreted signaling protein encoded by the SEMA3F gene, belonging to the class 3 semaphorin family characterized by a sema domain, immunoglobulin-like domain, and a short basic C-terminal region[4][5]. It acts as a guidance cue in the nervous system, repelling axons and collapsing growth cones, and binds to Neuropilin-2 and Plexin A family receptor complexes to initiate its signal transduction[1][3][4]. SEMA3F plays key roles in inhibiting cell proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis (especially in tumor and endothelial cells), and induces apoptosis and cytoskeletal collapse[1][5]. Its biological actions are mediated chiefly through inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and modulation of cell migration and adhesion[1][3][5]. In cancer settings, SEMA3F is anti-tumorigenic and anti-angiogenic; however, in extraembryonic development, it can be a proangiogenic factor by regulating Myc and Thbs1 activity[6]. The gene is implicated in diverse physiological and pathological settings, including neurodevelopment, cancer, vascular biology, and possibly congenital syndromes[5][6].

Other names

Semaphorin-3FSEMA3FSema IVSEMAKSema4Sema III/FSemaphorin IVSEMA-IVSEMA4semaphorin-3Fsema domain, immunoglobulin domain (Ig), short basic domain, secreted, 3Fsemaphorin III/Fsemaphorin IV

Inhibition of mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling (downstream effects on PI3K/Akt pathway); Induction of cytoskeletal collapse and inhibition of cellular activation; Inhibition of Myc degradation, affecting angiogenic signaling; Chemorepulsion via receptor complex disruption; Anti-angiogenic or pro-angiogenic effects depending on developmental context.