Slit/Robo信号作为神经导向因子在神经系统发育中具有导向轴突生长和排斥神经细胞迁移的重要作用,该信号还有抑制白细胞的趋化功能和在发育期吸引血管发生的作用。目前Slit/Robo的研究主要集中在中枢神经系统发育上,在肿瘤中的作用尚无定论。本文从Slit/Robo信号在肿瘤中的表达情况、在肿瘤新生血管和细胞迁移中的作用及其可能介导的信号通路等方面做一综述,探讨Slit/Robo信号作为肿瘤治疗靶点的潜在意义,对其深入研究具有重要的理论和临床意义。
Slit/Robo signal as neuronal guidance factor plays important roles in guiding axon growth and rejecting neuronal migration during the development of the nervous system. Furthermore, this signal also functions as a suppressor of leukocyte chemotaxis and an attractor of angiogenesis in development phase. Currently, most investigations focused on Slit/Robo signal in the central nervous system development. However, the role of this signal in carcinogenesis remained unknown. We review here the evidence for a role for Slit/Robo signal in cancer and focus on its role in tumor angiogenesis, cell migration and discuss the signaling pathways downstream of it, giving a new insight in the significance of Slit/Robo signal as a potential therapeutic target for cancer therapy.