EphGD

EphGD refers to the Ephrin receptor binding domain of the Ephrin-B family of transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinases. Ephrin receptors are a major subclass of receptor tyrosine kinases involved in cell-cell adhesion and signaling. The Ephrin-B subfamily, which includes EphB1, EphB2, EphB3, EphB4, and EphB6, plays crucial roles in developmental processes such as neural circuit formation, cardiovascular development, and tissue boundary formation.

The EphGD is the region of the Ephrin-B receptor that directly binds to its ligands, the ephrins. Ephrins are a family of membrane-bound or glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins that act as ligands for Eph receptors. This binding interaction initiates a bidirectional signaling cascade. Forward signaling occurs within the cell expressing the Eph receptor, leading to intracellular events like cytoskeletal rearrangements and changes in cell migration. Reverse signaling, in contrast, occurs in the cell expressing the ephrin ligand, also influencing cellular behavior. The EphGD is therefore central to initiating these critical cell communication pathways. Mutations or dysregulation in Ephrin-B signaling, mediated by the EphGD, have been implicated in various diseases, including cancer and developmental disorders, highlighting its importance in maintaining cellular homeostasis and tissue organization.