NRP1 and melanoma: This gene encodes a member of the plexin family. Plexins are transmembrane receptors for semaphorins, a large family of proteins that regulate axon guidance, cell motility and migration, and the immune response. The encoded protein and its ligand regulate melanocyte adhesion, and viral semaphorins may modulate the immune response by binding to this receptor. The encoded protein may be a tumor suppressor for melanoma.