EphA3

EphA3 is a member of the Eph receptor tyrosine kinase family. These receptors are involved in cell-to-cell communication and play critical roles in embryonic development, tissue repair, and cancer. EphA3 is activated by binding to its specific ligands, which are members of the Ephrin-A family. Upon ligand binding, EphA3 undergoes autophosphorylation and initiates intracellular signaling cascades that regulate various cellular processes, including cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and survival.

In normal physiological conditions, EphA3 expression is observed in various tissues, including the nervous system, immune system, and musculoskeletal system, where it contributes to tissue patterning and maintenance. During embryonic development, EphA3 signaling is crucial for axon guidance and the formation of neuronal circuits.

Dysregulation of EphA3 has been implicated in the development and progression of several diseases, particularly cancer. In many types of cancer, EphA3 is aberrantly expressed and can promote tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. Its role in cancer is complex and context-dependent, sometimes acting as an oncogene and other times as a tumor suppressor. Research into EphA3's function in disease is ongoing, with potential therapeutic strategies targeting EphA3 signaling being explored for cancer treatment.