Eph-ephrin signalling in adult tissues and cancer

Curr Opin Cell Biol. 2008 Apr;20(2):194-200. doi: 10.1016/j.ceb.2008.01.011. Epub 2008 Mar 18.

Abstract

Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and their ligands, the ephrins, play key roles in the regulation of migration and cell adhesion during development, thereby influencing cell fate, morphogenesis and organogenesis. Recent findings suggest that Eph signalling also controls the architecture and physiology of different tissues in the adult body under normal and pathological conditions such as cancer. A prime example is the intestinal epithelium where EphB-ephrinB interactions regulate both cell positioning and tumor progression. Here, we will review recent advances on the role of Eph-ephrin signalling in the intestine and other organs.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Ephrins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Morphogenesis
  • Neoplasms / enzymology*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Organ Specificity
  • Receptors, Eph Family / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • Ephrins
  • Receptors, Eph Family