ephrin receptor binding

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Binding to an ephrin receptor. [GOC:ai]

Ephrin receptors, also known as Eph receptors, are a family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) that play crucial roles in cell-cell communication, particularly during development and in the adult nervous system. They mediate signaling pathways through their binding to ephrin ligands, which are cell-surface proteins found on adjacent cells. The interaction between ephrin ligands and Eph receptors triggers a cascade of intracellular signaling events that regulate various cellular processes, including cell adhesion, migration, differentiation, and axon guidance.

The molecular function of ephrin receptor binding involves several key steps:

1. **Ligand Binding:** The process begins with the binding of ephrin ligands to their corresponding Eph receptors. These ligands are categorized into two classes: A and B, based on their structural features and signaling properties. Ephrin-A ligands bind to EphA receptors, while ephrin-B ligands bind to EphB receptors. This binding interaction is highly specific, ensuring precise cell-cell communication.

2. **Receptor Dimerization:** Upon ligand binding, Eph receptors undergo dimerization, where two receptor molecules associate with each other. This dimerization is critical for activating the receptor's intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity.

3. **Tyrosine Kinase Activation:** The dimerized Eph receptors initiate a cascade of phosphorylation events. The receptor's tyrosine kinase domain becomes activated and phosphorylates specific tyrosine residues within the receptor itself, as well as on other intracellular signaling proteins.

4. **Downstream Signaling Pathways:** Phosphorylated tyrosine residues on Eph receptors act as docking sites for adaptor proteins, which recruit and activate downstream signaling molecules. These signaling pathways are highly complex and vary depending on the specific Eph receptor and ephrin ligand involved. Some key pathways include the Ras/MAPK pathway, the PI3K/AKT pathway, and the Rho GTPase pathway.

5. **Cellular Responses:** The activation of these downstream signaling pathways ultimately leads to a variety of cellular responses, including changes in cell adhesion, migration, differentiation, axon guidance, and synapse formation. Ephrin signaling plays a crucial role in shaping the developing nervous system by guiding axons to their correct targets, controlling neuronal survival, and regulating synapse formation. In adult tissues, ephrin receptors are involved in various functions, including angiogenesis, wound healing, and immune responses.'
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Proteins (11)

Compounds (709)