Rtn4, also known as Nogo, is a protein encoded by the Rtn4 gene. It has multiple functions, being involved in regulating neuronal development, angiogenesis, and synaptic plasticity. It is associated with pathways related to neural network formation, autophagy, and cell migration [1,2,4,5,7]. Rtn4 is important in biological processes such as the development of synaptic circuits and the regulation of axonal regeneration, and it may also play a role in disease-related processes like cancer progression [1,3,6,8].

In gene-related functional studies, knockdown of Rtn4 by siRNA in a cerebral cortical infarction model reduced vascular autophagy markers and enhanced angiogenesis in the ipsilateral thalamus, rescuing neuronal loss and improving cognitive function, indicating its negative regulation of angiogenesis and secondary neural repair [2]. In mouse and human neurons in vitro, Rtn4r (encoding the RTN4/NoGo-Receptor) knockdown or treatment with a peptide inhibitor lowered ataxin-2 protein levels, and Rtn4r knockout mice had reduced ataxin-2 levels in vivo, suggesting a role in neurodegenerative diseases [3].

In conclusion, Rtn4 is crucial for normal neuronal development, angiogenesis, and synaptic plasticity. Studies using gene knockout models, such as Rtn4r knockout mice, have revealed its potential roles in neurodegenerative diseases and in the regulation of angiogenesis and neural repair after cerebral infarction. These findings provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of related diseases and may offer new therapeutic targets.