EFNA3

EFNA3 is a gene that encodes the ephrin-A3 protein in humans. Ephrin-A3 is a member of the Ephrin family, which plays a crucial role in the regulation of cell adhesion, growth, and migration.

Function[edit | edit source]

The EFNA3 gene is part of the ephrin (EPH) receptor pathway, which is involved in a variety of biological processes. Ephrins and their receptors have been identified as critical players in a vast array of developmental processes, particularly in the nervous system. The protein encoded by the EFNA3 gene, ephrin-A3, is a type-A ephrin and can bind to the EPHA receptors.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The EFNA3 gene is located on the short (p) arm of chromosome 3 at position 21.2. The gene spans approximately 8.5 kilobases and contains five exons. The ephrin-A3 protein is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored ephrin and can bind to the EPHA receptors.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Alterations in the EFNA3 gene have been associated with various diseases. For instance, overexpression of EFNA3 has been observed in several types of cancer, including breast cancer and lung cancer. In addition, EFNA3 has been implicated in neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

Research[edit | edit source]

Research on EFNA3 is ongoing, with scientists seeking to understand its exact role in disease progression and its potential as a therapeutic target. Studies have shown that EFNA3 may play a role in tumor growth and metastasis, suggesting that it could be a potential target for cancer therapy.