EFNA1

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 (PubMed:17332925, PubMed:18794797). Involved in angiogenesis, regulating vascular endothelial cell differentiation and migration through activation of EPHA2. Acts as a ligand for EPHA3, inhibiting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of cardiac cells and playing a role in heart development (PubMed:12794130). May also contribute to dendritic spine morphogenesis (By similarity).

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

Brain. Down-regulated in primary glioma tissues compared to the normal tissues. The soluble monomeric form is expressed in the glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and breast cancer cells (at protein level).

Cellular localization

• Cell membrane
• Lipid-anchor
• GPI-anchor
• Ephrin-A1, secreted form
• Secreted

Alternative names

EPLG1, LERK1, TNFAIP4, EFNA1, Ephrin-A1, EPH-related receptor tyrosine kinase ligand 1, Immediate early response protein B61, Tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 4, LERK-1, TNF alpha-induced protein 4

Database links

swissprot:P20827 entrezGene:2041 entrezGene:1942 swissprot:P21709 omim:179610 omim:191164