RGMA

Repulsive guidance molecule A also known as RGMa is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the RGMA is_associated_with::gene.

Function
RGMa is a is_associated_with::repulsive guidance molecule for retinal axons. Furthermore neogenin functions as a receptor for RGM. Neogenin overexpression and RGM downexpression in the developing embryonic is_associated_with::neural tube induces is_associated_with::apoptosis. The apoptotic activity of neogenin in the neural tube is associated with cleavage of its cytoplasmic domain by is_associated_with::caspases.

RGMA belongs to a family of repulsive guidance molecules that are (glycosylphosphatidylinositol)-linked cell-membrane-associated proteins. The three proteins, RGMa (this protein), RGMb and RGMc are 40-50% identical to each other, and share similarities in predicted protein domains and overall structure. All three RGM proteins appear capable of binding selected BMPs (is_associated_with::bone morphogenetic proteins).

RGMs may play inhibitory roles in prostate cancer by suppressing cell growth, adhesion, migration and invasion. RGMs can coordinate Smad-dependent and Smad-independent signalling of BMPs in prostate cancer and breast cancer cells.