The growth cone at the tip of an extending axon is exquisitely sensitive to repulsive and attractive guidance cues in its environment. These molecules may be diffusible and work from a distance or be bound to a membrane or substrate and work at close range. It is the complex integration of these repulsive and attractive signals that guide the axon to its appropriate target. Axon guidance molecules play critical roles during nervous system development and may regulate the regenerative capacity of neurons during nervous system disease.
R&D Systems offers many research tools to study molecules involved in axon guidance. These include a wide selection of active proteins and antibodies designed for the ligands and receptors of several protein families including Netrins, Semaphorins, Ephrins, RGMs, Slits, BMPs, Wnts, and more.
