Abstract: Abstract: Members of the UNC5 homolog family are important receptors for the classical nerve growth-directing factor-1 (Netrin-1). In addition to participating in the development of the nervous system, they also play important roles in many other fields, especially in tumorigenesis. Members of this family are down-regulated in a variety of tumor tissues, and all have a "dependent receptor" property, that is, in the absence of ligand Netrin-1, these members have the ability to induce apoptosis. However, in addition to these common features, each member of the family has its own characteristics, and plays an unique role to participate in tumor suppression. This article will review the role of these family membersin tumorigenesis and development, and emphasis is placed on the commonality and personality of those members as well as the new findings in clinical applications

Key words: UNC5 homolog, Netrin-1, tumor, biological function, clinical applications