Semaphorin-3A (SEMA3A), a secreted glycoprotein belonging to the class 3 semaphorin family, functions as a key axon guidance cue during neural development. It binds to neuropilin-1/plexin receptor complexes, mediating repulsive signaling that regulates neuronal migration, axon pathfinding, and synapse formation. Beyond the nervous system, SEMA3A participates in diverse physiological and pathological processes, including immune regulation, angiogenesis, tumor progression, and bone homeostasis. Its role in cancer is context-dependent, acting as either a tumor suppressor by inhibiting angiogenesis and metastasis or promoting invasiveness in certain malignancies.
Antibodies targeting SEMA3A are essential tools for investigating its expression patterns, signaling mechanisms, and therapeutic potential. These antibodies enable detection of SEMA3A in tissues and fluids via techniques like Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA. In research, they help elucidate SEMA3A's involvement in neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), and cancer biology. Therapeutic applications are under exploration, including blocking SEMA3A to enhance nerve regeneration or modulating its activity in cancer immunotherapy. Commercial SEMA3A antibodies are typically raised in hosts like rabbits or mice, with validation across multiple applications to ensure specificity for reliable experimental outcomes.