Characterization and expression of netrin-1 and its receptors UNC5B and DCC in human placenta.

Netrins are a family of proteins that mediate axonal guidance in the central nervous system (CNS). In addition to the CNS, netrins are involved in cell adhesion, motility, proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Because these processes occur in the placenta, we raised the question of whether netrin-1 is expressed by placental cells during development.