Signals from Eph and Ephrin Proteins: A Developmental Tool Kit

Andrew W. Boyd^1* and Martin Lackmann²

¹Leukaemia Foundation Laboratory, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, P.O. Royal Brisbane Hospital, 4029, Australia
²Epithelial Biology Laboratory, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (Melbourne Branch), P.O. Royal Melbourne Hospital, 3050, Australia.

Gloss: Interactions between Eph receptor family members and their ligands, the ephrins, are critical to many important embryonic patterning events. Evidence is emerging that also implies a role in pathological processes, including cancer and tissue injury. How do 14 Eph and nine ephrin proteins generate the great complexity of signaling mechanisms required to regulate cell movements as diverse as axon guidance, tissue boundary formation, and formation of the vasculature? We review how functional complexity is generated through modular usage of Eph and ephrin components, and discuss recent observations that highlight the unusual versatility of signaling mechanisms provided by this receptor-ligand system.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: andrewBo{at}qimr.edu.au

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