Plexin D1 (PLXND1)

Tamagnone et al. (1999) identified the cDNA sequence of a novel member of the plexin gene family and named the gene plexin D1. Plxnd1 was expressed by embryonic vascular endothelial cells. Expression was robust in endocardium, intersomitic vessels, pulmonary vasculature, aorta, and pharyngeal arch arteries. In adult mice, Plxnd1 was expressed in heart, brain, lung, kidney, and testis, consistent with broad expression in endothelial cells. Human vascular endothelial cells also expressed PLXND1. Gitler et al. (2004) demonstrated that mouse Plxnd1 heterodimerized with Npn1 to form a functional Sema3C receptor. Binding of Sema3A and Sema3C to COS cells expressing Npn1 was enhanced by cotransfection of Plxnd1. Plxnd1 also enhanced binding of Sema3C to Npn2.