NELL-1: role and mechanisms in disease pathogenesis and development

and NELL-1-ΔE, exhibit specific functional properties and hold significant therapeutic promise, particularly in bone regeneration and tumor suppression. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the molecular mechanisms of NELL-1 in osteogenesis, chondrogenesis, immune regulation, and tumor suppression. It also explores various strategies to enhance its stability and targeting, including PEG modification and nanoparticle delivery systems. In conclusion, NELL-1 represents a key molecule with multi-tissue, multi-disease regulatory potential, and its value in both basic research and clinical translation is increasingly prominent. Future research should focus on its tissue-specific mechanisms, isoform functional optimization, and the development of safe and effective delivery systems to advance its applications in precision medicine.