Slit-Robo信号通路在心血管发育中的作用

近期研究表明, Slit-Robo信号通路对心血管系统的发育和再生发挥了重要功能. Slit3作为促血管新生因子, 能够与其受体Robo4结合, 通过RhoGTPase信号通路调控多个生理和病理过程中的血管新生. Slit3-Robo4信号通路的激活能够促进工程组织中血管网络的形成. 硫酸乙酰肝素通过Slit3-Robo4通路能够调节膈肌发育及其血管新生. Slit-Robo信号通路还参与调控心脏系统静脉回流和心包膜的发育. Slit3的缺失会导致小鼠发育过程中的肾脏缺失和输尿管发育不全. 因此, 进一步研究Slit3-Robo4信号通路对于阐释心血管系统发育和疾病的病因具有重要理论意义, 有望为心血管疾病的预防和治疗提供有力的药物作用靶点, 促进有效药物的开发.

Slit-Robo signal pathway in cardiovascular development

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.