Semaphorin 4C (SEMA4C)

Semaphorin 4C (SEMA4C) is a type I transmembrane protein belonging to the class 4 semaphorin family, characterized by the presence of a sema domain, immunoglobulin-like domain, transmembrane domain, and short cytoplasmic tail. SEMA4C functions as a guidance cue in development, regulating cell migration, adhesion, and cytoskeleton dynamics through its interaction with Plexin-B2 and other intracellular partners such as CRMP3. It is expressed at elevated levels in certain cancers, promoting tumor cell motility, invasion, and immunosuppression via PD-L1 regulation. In the immune system, SEMA4C supports B-cell polarization and antibody production, impacting lymphoid follicle formation and synapse organization. Experimental targeting of SEMA4C with neutralizing antibodies or microRNA reduces metastatic behavior and attenuates related immunosuppressive pathways, indicating its value as a potential therapeutic target in oncology and immunology.

Other names

Semaphorin-4CSEMA4CKIAA1739SEMAlUNQ5855/PRO34487Semacl1SemafM-Sema FSEMACL1SEMAFsema domain immunoglobulin domain (Ig) transmembrane domain (TM) and short cytoplasmic domain(semaphorin) 4C

Neutralizing antibody blocks SEMA4C, reducing cancer cell motility and invasion through suppression of tubulin deacetylation and cell adhesion pathways Reduces immunosuppressive activity via attenuation of PD-L1 expression Synergistic suppression with let-7b microRNA (targets SEMA4C for downregulation)