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EphA2 as an oncogenic driver: roles and mechanisms of action in cancer

Hanbing Song1, Ning Qin2, Xiaohe Feng2

  • 1School of Medicine, Shandong Xiehe University, Jinan, China.

Molecular Biology Reports
|June 30, 2026
PubMed

Insights

EphA2 receptor tyrosine kinase plays a dual role in cancer, acting as both a tumor suppressor and an oncogenic driver. Its high expression correlates with poor prognosis, making EphA2 a promising target for novel cancer therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Signaling

Background:

  • Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) regulate critical cellular functions; their dysregulation is implicated in human diseases, including cancer.
  • EphA2, an Eph subfamily RTK, is vital for tissue development and homeostasis.
  • EphA2's role in cancer is complex, acting as both a tumor suppressor and an oncogenic driver.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the oncogenic roles and mechanisms of EphA2 in cancer development and progression.
  • To highlight EphA2 as a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on EphA2 in cancer.
  • Analysis of EphA2's function as an oncogenic driver.
  • Examination of EphA2's association with clinical prognosis.

Main Results:

  • EphA2 promotes tumor initiation, growth, invasion, metastasis, stemness, and angiogenesis when acting as an oncogenic driver.
  • High EphA2 expression in tumors is linked to poor patient outcomes.
  • Several EphA2-targeted cancer treatments are in clinical trials.

Conclusions:

  • EphA2 is a critical regulator of cancer progression through various oncogenic signaling pathways.
  • Understanding EphA2's mechanisms offers insights for developing targeted cancer therapies.
Keywords:
Cancer developmentCancer progressionEphA2Signaling pathwaysTyrosine phosphorylation

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