Cell-surface heparan sulfate is involved in the repulsive guidance activities of Slit2 protein

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Abstract
Slit proteins are a family of secreted guidance proteins that can repel neuronal migration and axon growth via interaction with their cellular roundabout receptors (Robos). Here it was shown that Slit2–Robo-1 interactions were enhanced by cell-surface heparan sulfate. Removal of heparan sulfate decreased the affinity of Slit for Robo by about threefold. In addition, removal of cell-surface heparan sulfate by heparinase III abolished the chemorepulsive response to Slit2 normally shown by both the migrating neurons and growing axons. These results indicate essential roles for cell-surface heparan sulfate in the repulsive activities of Slit2.