Slit Proteins

Slit Protein is a secretory protein that plays an important role in cell migration and axon guidance. Slit protein binds transmembrane protein Roundabout (Robo receptor), activates downstream signaling pathway, regulates the reorganization of the cytoskeleton with the involvment of various intracellular molecules, including Abelson kinase, Enabled protein, GTPase activating protein (srGAP), and small GTPases of the Rho family. Slit Protein guides the growth and branching of axons, the migration of neuronal cells and non-neuronal cells. Slit Protein also inhibits the chemotaxis of a variety of leukocytes (such as lymphocytes, monocytes and neutrophils). Slit Protein acts as repulsive signals or attraction signals to guide cells to move away or toward their source. Slit Protein has three subtypes slit-1, slit-2 and slit-3. Slit-1 is mainly expressed in nervous system, while slit-2 and slit-3 can also be expressed outside the nervous system. Slit protein plays a key role in the development and function of the nervous system, and its dysfunction may be associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Slit proteins regulates leukocyte chemotaxis suggests that its dysfunction may lead to the exacerbation of inflammatory diseases. Slit protein is able to inhibit HIV-1 infection through CXCR4 and CCR5, and its dysfunction may affect the progression and severity of HIV infection^[1][2].

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