EphA8

EphA8 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 cell signaling. EphA8 specifically binds to ephrin-A ligands, which are cell surface-bound proteins. This binding initiates a bidirectional signaling cascade, meaning both the EphA8 receptor on one cell and the ephrin ligand on the neighboring cell are activated. This reciprocal signaling is crucial for regulating a variety of cellular processes.

In the context of development, EphA8 and its ligands are known to be important for neural development, guiding axon pathfinding, and establishing proper connections between neurons. They also contribute to the formation of boundaries between different tissues and organs. Dysregulation of EphA8 signaling has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer. In some cancers, EphA8 expression is altered, potentially contributing to tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis by affecting cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation. Research into EphA8 continues to explore its precise functions and its potential as a therapeutic target.