SEMA3E encodes a class 4 semaphorin. This gene encodes a class 3 semaphorin. Multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene.The deduced 775-amino acid protein has a calculated molecular mass of about 95 kD. SEMA3E shares 87.4% identity with mouse Sema3e. RT-PCR detected highest expression in brain and prostate, followed by small intestine, thymus, and lung. Little to no expression was detected in other tissues examined.Sema3e is highly expressed in developing somites, where it acts as a repulsive cue for plexin-D1-expressing endothelial cells of adjacent intersomitic vessels. Sema3e-plexin-D1 signaling did not require neuropilins, which had been presumed to be obligate Sema3 coreceptors.