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The Role of the Eph Receptor Family in Tumorigenesis

Meg Anderton1,2, Emma van der Meulen1,2, Melissa J Blumenthal1,2,3

  • 1International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa.

Cancers
|January 12, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The Eph receptor tyrosine kinase family, particularly EphA2, plays a complex role in cancer development. Understanding Eph signaling pathways could lead to new cancer therapies targeting tumor promotion and suppression.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and ephrin ligands are crucial for animal development.
  • Altered Eph receptor expression is linked to oncogenesis, affecting cell proliferation and migration.
  • Eph receptors can act as tumor promoters or suppressors in various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the literature on the role of Eph receptors, especially EphA2, in tumorigenesis.
  • To elucidate the dual role of EphA2 in Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) development.
  • To explore potential therapeutic targeting of Eph signaling pathways in cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and consolidation of existing research.
  • Analysis of EphA2's role in oncogenesis and KS.
  • Examination of EphA2 sequence variations and KSHV infection.

Main Results:

  • EphA2 is essential for Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) entry into endothelial cells.
  • EphA2 deregulation is associated with KS, suggesting a dual role in this cancer.
  • Evidence suggests links between EphA2 variation, KSHV infection, and KS progression.

Conclusions:

  • Eph signaling pathways are implicated in various cancers, including breast, colorectal, lung, prostate, brain, and KS.
  • Further research is needed to fully understand EphA2's role in KS oncogenesis.
  • Targeting Eph signaling pathways offers potential for novel cancer therapies.
Keywords:
Eph receptorsEphA2Kaposi’s sarcomaendothelial cells

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