Neuropilins - Past, Present and Future: A Review of Its Anti-Neoplastic Potential

Recently, cancer progression has been linked to a trans-membrane receptor, neuropilin. Studies show that neuropilins are widely distributed in the body and these receptors appear to control the vasculirization of tumors. Neuropilins 1 and 2 are known to be involved in angiogenesis and vascular development and are receptors for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the class 3 semaphorins. Angiogenesis, which is a feature of many malignancies, is aided by increased neuropilin expression. Hence, high neuropilin expression correlates with tumor progression and poor prognosis. Attempts are being made to suppress tumor growth and invasion by employing agents that suppress angiogenesis. This is of great interest, because blockade or inhibition of these molecules may be used as therapeutic agents in cancer therapy. In this review, the molecular biology and current knowledge of neuropilins are explored with a view to identifying their therapeutic potentials. In conclusion, neuropilin targeted intervention may be relevant as anti-cancer therapy