Ephrin
Ephrin refers to a family of proteins that serve as the ligands for the Eph receptor. Ephrins and Eph receptors are components of cell signaling pathways involved in the regulation of a variety of biological processes. Ephrins are divided into two subclasses, ephrin-A and ephrin-B, based on their structures and the methods by which they attach to the cell surface.
Ephrin-A[edit | edit source]
Ephrin-A proteins are attached to the cell surface via a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor. They bind to EphA receptors, which are a subclass of Eph receptors. Ephrin-A ligands are important for a variety of biological processes, including the guidance of axonal growth cones during neural development and the regulation of cell migration during the formation of the vascular system.
Ephrin-B[edit | edit source]
Ephrin-B proteins are transmembrane proteins that bind to EphB receptors. They play a crucial role in the development of the nervous system, particularly in the formation of synapses and the plasticity of dendritic spines. Ephrin-B ligands are also involved in the regulation of cell adhesion and migration, and they have been implicated in cancer progression.
Role in Disease[edit | edit source]
Alterations in ephrin signaling have been associated with a variety of diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and macular degeneration. In cancer, changes in ephrin and Eph receptor expression can promote tumor growth and metastasis. In Alzheimer's disease, ephrin-A1 and its receptor EphA4 have been found to be upregulated, and this upregulation has been linked to the formation of amyloid plaques. In macular degeneration, ephrin-B2 and its receptor EphB4 have been found to be overexpressed, and this overexpression has been associated with the formation of choroidal neovascularization.
See Also[edit | edit source]
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