RGMa, also known as RGM domain family, member A, belongs to the RGM (repulsive guidance molecule) family whose members are membrane-associated glycoprotein. RGMa is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored glycoprotein that functions as an axon guidance protein in the developing and adult central nervous system. It helps guide Retinal Ganglion Cell (RGC) axons to the tectum in the midbrain. RGMa has been implicated to play an important role in the developing brain and in the scar tissue that forms after a brain injury. This protein may also function as a tumor suppressor in some cancers.
Full Name
repulsive guidance molecule family member a
References
- Severyn CJ, et al. (2009). Molecular biology, genetics and biochemistry of the repulsive guidance molecule family. Biochem J. 422 (3): 393-403.
- Monnier PP, et al. (2002) RGM is a repulsive guidance molecule for retinal axons. Nature. 419: 392-5.
- Matsunaga E, et al. (2004) RGM and its receptor neogenin regulate neuronal survival. Nature Cell Biology. 6: 749-55.