The function of neuropilin/plexin complexes.

Neuropilins bind the secreted class 3 semaphorins with high affinity but require a member of the plexin family to form receptors that are able to activate downstream signal transduction cascades. In this receptor complex neuropilins act as the ligand-binding subunit while plexins function as the signal-transducing subunit in the induction of cytoskeletal collapse by semaphorins. The cytoplasmic domain is highly conserved within the plexin family and interacts with Rho-like GTPases.