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

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

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

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

• Eph receptor
• Cell signaling
• Alzheimer's disease
• Macular degeneration

Ephrin Resources
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