EFNB2

EFNB2 or Ephrin-B2 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the EFNB2 gene. It is a member of the Ephrin family, which plays a crucial role in the regulation of cell adhesion, cell migration, and tissue organization.

Function

EFNB2 is a member of the ephrin (EPH) family. The EPH and ephrin families have been implicated in mediating developmental events, especially in the nervous system and in erythropoiesis. Based on their structures and sequence relationships, ephrins are divided into the ephrin-A (EFNA) class, which are anchored to the membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol linkage, and the ephrin-B (EFNB) class, which are transmembrane proteins. This gene encodes an EFNB class ephrin which binds to the EPHB4 and EPHA3 receptors.

Clinical significance

EFNB2 has been associated with several diseases and disorders. It has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, as it is involved in the formation of the blood-brain barrier. It also plays a role in the development of certain types of cancer, including breast cancer and prostate cancer, by promoting angiogenesis and tumor cell migration.

Research

Research into EFNB2 has focused on its role in cell signaling and its potential as a therapeutic target in cancer treatment. Studies have shown that inhibiting EFNB2 can reduce tumor growth and metastasis in animal models of cancer.

See also

• Ephrin
• EPHB4
• EPHA3
• Alzheimer's disease
• Breast cancer
• Prostate cancer