4EGI1

4EGI1 is a gene found in humans and other mammals. It encodes a protein that belongs to the Eph receptor tyrosine kinase family. Eph receptors are known to play crucial roles in cell-to-cell communication, particularly during embryonic development and in adult tissues. They are involved in processes such as cell adhesion, cell migration, and the formation of tissue boundaries.

The protein produced by the 4EGI1 gene interacts with specific ephrin ligands, which are membrane-bound proteins. This interaction triggers intracellular signaling pathways that influence the behavior of both the Eph receptor-expressing cell and the ephrin-expressing cell. These bidirectional signaling events are essential for establishing and maintaining the correct architecture and organization of tissues.

Research into 4EGI1 has explored its involvement in various biological processes and its potential implications in disease. Dysregulation of Eph receptor signaling, including that mediated by 4EGI1, has been implicated in conditions such as cancer, where it can affect tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. Understanding the precise functions and regulatory mechanisms of 4EGI1 contributes to the broader field of developmental biology and may offer insights for therapeutic interventions in disease.