The netrin family is known as classical axon guidance factors.Recent studies suggested the wide existence of netrins in non-nerve tissues,indicating a more complicated role for netrin family than previously known.The dual role of netrin-1 in promoting and inhibiting vasculariztion is undoubtedly the most attractive research area.Though the specific role of netrin-1 in vascularization is not determined,it casts new lights on the close link between the nervous system and vascular system,and it also provides new thoughts on the treatment of cardiac and cerebral ischemia disorders,diabetes-induced vascular and nervous disorders,and on inhibition of tumor angiogenesis.This paper reviews the possible dual role of netrin-1 in vascularization and its potential significance.