PLXNA2
Description
The PLXNA2 (plexin A2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 1.
Plexin-A2 is a protein encoded by the PLXNA2 gene in humans. It belongs to the plexin-A family of semaphorin co-receptors. Semaphorins, a diverse family of secreted or membrane-bound proteins, regulate axon pathfinding during nervous system development by exerting repulsive effects. A subset of semaphorins interacts with plexin-A/neuropilin transmembrane receptor complexes, triggering cellular signaling cascades that result in axon repulsion. Plexin-A2 is believed to transduce signals from semaphorin-3A and -3C. In some studies, the PLXNA2 gene has been associated with schizophrenia and anxiety.
Plexin-A2 acts as a coreceptor for SEMA3A and SEMA6A, playing a crucial role in signaling by SEMA6A and class 3 semaphorins. This signaling leads to cytoskeletal remodeling, influencing axon guidance, invasive growth, and cell migration. Class 3 semaphorins bind to a complex formed by neuropilin and plexin. Plexin fine-tunes the complex's affinity for specific semaphorins, and its cytoplasmic domain activates downstream signaling pathways.
PLXNA2 is also known as OCT, PLXN2.
