Clinical Significance
Increased expression of this protein is associated with schizophrenia and is seen in a variety of human tumor cell lines. Also, aberrant release of this protein is associated with the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Additionally, the terminal Schwann cells of ALS mice (SOD1 mutant) express Sema3A at fast-fatigable fiber neuromuscular junctions greater than wild-type mice. This expression is greatest pre-symptomatically corresponding to ALS progression in which fast-fatigable fiber denervation precedes clinical symptoms. Because Sema3A is involved in growth cone collapse and axon pruning and repulsion, it potentially holds a causal relationship to synaptic weakening and denervation that precedes motor neuron apoptosis in ALS.
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“For a parent, it’s hard to recognize the significance of your work when you’re immersed in the mundane details. Few of us, as we run the bath water or spread the peanut butter on the bread, proclaim proudly, “I’m making my contribution to the future of the planet.” But with the exception of global hunger, few jobs in the world of paychecks and promotions compare in significance to the job of parent.”
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