Eph Receptors

Eph (or ephrin) receptors are the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and are divided into two subclasses, EphA and EphB, based on sequence homology and binding affinities. The receptors are widely expressed and are involved in the control of cell positioning, tissue patterning, organ patterning and cell survival.

Both receptor and ligand are membrane bound, so that interaction between the two occurs at sites of cell-cell contact, and uniquely, initiates a bidirectional signaling cascade. Receptor activation results in the clustering, followed by tyrosine phosphorylation and signaling of the receptors (referred to as forward signaling), while simultaneously triggering a response in the ligand-bearing cells (known as reverse signaling). The ligands for EphA receptors are glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked and cell-surface bound, whereas EphB receptor ligands are transmembrane.

The Eph-ephrin signaling response is highly complex and the outcome is dependent on context in that it can differ according to cell, tissue and organ type, with the result that the same Eph-ephrin interaction can result in diametrically opposed responses, such as tumor promotion or suppression, in different tissues. Activation of the Eph receptor leads to changes in the actin cytoskeleton and cell-cell or cell-substrate adhesion, as well as cell motility, survival and proliferation. Activated Ephs also interact with major cytosolic signaling pathways and may activate or inhibit MAPK, PI 3-K or Wnt pathways. They can also modulate or be modulated by growth factor receptors, including VEGFR, FGFR or EGFR.

Eph receptors were originally identified as mediators in axon path finding, but are also implicated in bone morphogenesis and homeostasis, immunological and inflammatory responses, angiogenesis, stem cell plasticity, learning and memory and Alzheimer's disease. They are of particular interest in the study of the mechanisms of tumor growth and progression, as well as nerve injury and regeneration.

External sources of pharmacological information for Eph Receptors :

• IUPHAR Receptor Code

• BJP Guide

Literature for Eph Receptors

Tocris offers the following scientific literature for Eph Receptors to showcase our products. We invite you to request* your copy today!

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Alzheimer's Disease Poster

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a debilitating and progressive neurodegenerative disease and the most common cause of dementia, affecting approximately 30% of individuals aged over 85 years. This poster summarizes the cellular and molecular mechanisms of AD.

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Eph Receptor Gene Data