Journal of Shanghai University(Natural Science Edition) ›› 2016, Vol. 22 ›› Issue (3): 331-335.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1007-2861.2016.03.009

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Slit-Robo signal pathway in cardiovascular development

ZHANG Bing, FU Yi   

  1. Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
  • Received:2016-04-19 Online:2016-06-30 Published:2016-06-30

Abstract:

Slit-Robo pathway has recently been shown to be vital in cardiovascular development and regeneration. Slit3, a proangiogenic factor, regulates angiogenesis and organ formation in embryonic development by binding to its receptor Robo4. Activation of Slit3-Robo4 promotes formation of vascular network in engineered tissues. Heparan sulfate regulates the development of blood vessel and diaphragm through modulating the Slit3-Robo4 signal pathway. Moreover, the Slit-Robo signal pathway plays an essential role in developing cardiac systematic venous return and pericardium. Deficiency of Slit3 leads to developmental defect of other organs such as kidney and ureter. Therefore, further understanding of the Slit3-Robo4 signal pathway in the future may provide a theoretical foundation and therapeutic targets for prevention and therapy of cardiovascular and related diseases.

Key words:  angiogenesis ,  development, Slit3-Robo4 signal pathway