Efna1
Developmental stage
In myogenic progenitor cells, expressed during the acquisition of muscle stem cell properties, from 18.5 dpc to adulthood.
Function
Cell surface GPI-bound ligand for Eph receptors, a family of receptor tyrosine kinases which are crucial for migration, repulsion and adhesion during neuronal, vascular and epithelial development. Binds promiscuously Eph receptors residing on adjacent cells, leading to contact-dependent bidirectional signaling into neighboring cells. Plays an important role in angiogenesis and tumor neovascularization. The recruitment of VAV2, VAV3 and PI3-kinase p85 subunit by phosphorylated EPHA2 is critical for EFNA1-induced RAC1 GTPase activation and vascular endothelial cell migration and assembly. Exerts anti-oncogenic effects in tumor cells through activation and down-regulation of EPHA2. Activates EPHA2 by inducing tyrosine phosphorylation which leads to its internalization and degradation. Acts as a negative regulator in the tumorigenesis of gliomas by down-regulating EPHA2 and FAK. Can evoke collapse of embryonic neuronal growth cone and regulates dendritic spine morphogenesis.
Post-translational modifications
Undergoes proteolysis by a metalloprotease to give rise to a soluble monomeric form.
N-Glycosylation is required for binding to EPHA2 receptor and inducing its internalization.
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the ephrin family.
Tissue Specificity
Expressed in myogenic progenitor cells.
Cellular localization
- Cell membrane
- Lipid-anchor
- GPI-anchor
- Ephrin-A1, secreted form
- Secreted
Alternative names
Epgl1, Epl1, Lerk1, Efna1, Ephrin-A1, EPH-related receptor tyrosine kinase ligand 1, Immediate early response protein B61, LERK-1