Description
Slit2 is a member of the Slit family of large secreted axon guidance molecules that share 65 70% amino acid (aa) identity and are ligands for Robo receptors. Similar to other mammalian family members, the 1521 aa, ~200 kDa Slit2 contains a 25 aa signal sequence followed by four groups of leucinerich repeats (22 LRR total), 9 EGFlike sequences and a C terminal cysteine rich domain. An ALPS (agrin laminin perlecan slit) domain is found between EGF6 and EGF7. A proteolytic cleavage site centigradecurs between EGF5 and EGF6. A membrane ass centigradeiation site just N-terminal to the cleavage site, creates a membrane-bound ~140 kDa N-terminal cleavage product (Slit2 N) that has chemorepellent activity. Heparin sulfate is required for interaction of Robo with Slit LRR domains. Mature mouse Slit2 shares 98, 97, 97, 97 and 95% aa identity with rat, human, bovine, equine and canine Slit2