Progress in study of semaphorin family with ocular disease

Semaphorins is the one of guidance molecule families.It is proved to have wide physiological function in the development of neutron and play important role in the pathogenesis of retinal degenerative diseases,gangliocyte apoptosis-related diseases and neovascularization.Previous studies showed that Semaphorins distribute in the cornea,lens and retina.Semaphorins play important role in the development of retina,visual system,cornea nerve and reduce the death of retinal ganglion cells(RGCs)caused by glaucoma,retinal detachment and hypoxic ischemic optic neuropathy.Semaphorin family-related gene mutation may be associated with retinal degenerative diseases.Some of the members could also inhibit angiogenesis.Since semaphorins and its receptors participate in the development of the vasculature and nervous systems,they are implied to be the potential new target of ophthalmopathic treatment.The current ptogress in structure and functions of the semaphorin family along with their relationship with ophthalmopathy were summarized in this study. Key words: Semaphorins; Eyeball development; Retinal diseases