Overview:

EPHA2 is a member of the ephrin receptor subfamily of protein-tyrosine kinases that bind the ephrin-A ligand and have diverse cellular function. EPHA2 has been shown to be an oncoprotein of importance in a range of cancers. EPHA2 is overexpressed in several human cancer types and promotes malignancy through a mechanism involving RhoA-dependent destabilization of adherens junctions (1). EPHA2 overexpression induces a FAK-dependent increase in MMP-2 expression and invasiveness and this process that can be reversed by ligation of EPHA2 (2).

Gene Aliases:

ECK

Genbank Number:

NM_004431

References:

1. Fang, W B. et al: Overexpression of EPHA2 receptor destabilizes adherens junctions via a RhoA-dependent mechanism. J Cell Sci. 2008 Feb 1;121(Pt 3):358-68.

2. Duxbury, M S. et al: Ligation of EphA2 by Ephrin A1-Fc inhibits pancreatic adenocarcinoma cellular invasiveness. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2004 Aug 6;320(4):1096-102.