Conserved Molecular Players for Axon Guidance and Angiogenesis

Neuronal guidance cues attract or repel axons and/or neurons and play important roles in the pathfinding of neuronal networks and the functioning of nervous system. Prominent among them are the families of ephrins, semaphorins, Slits and netrins and their cognate cell-surface receptors. Due to their biological significance, extensive research has been carried out in the last ten years or so. Angiogenesis is a cellular process of capillary sprouting and configuring of neovasculatures, which shares many developmental, anatomical, physiological and pathophysiological features with the neural counterparts. This review will summarize the emerging evidence indicating the common molecular mechanisms underlying both axon guidance (including neuronal migration) and angiogenesis for exquisite regulation of proper wiring of both systems.