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Ephrin and Eph Receptor Signaling in Female Reproductive Physiology and Pathology. Adu-Gyamfi EA et al. (2020) Ephrins are ligands of Eph receptors (Ephs); both of which are sorted into two classes, A and B. There are five types of ephrin-As (ephrin-A1-5) and three types of ephrin-Bs (ephrin-B1-3). Also, there are ten types of EphAs (EphA1-10) and six types of EphBs (EphB1-6). Binding of ephrins to the Eph receptors activates signaling cascades that regulate several biological processes such as cellular proliferation, differentiation, migration, angiogenesis and vascular remodeling. Clarification of their roles in the female reproductive system is crucial to understanding the physiology and pathology of this system. Such knowledge will also create awareness regarding the importance of these molecules in diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic medicine. Hence, we have discussed the involvement of these molecules in the physiological and pathological events that occur within the female reproductive system. The evidence so far suggests that the ephrins and the Eph receptors modulate folliculogenesis, ovulation, embryo transport, implantation and placentation. Abnormal expression of some of these molecules is associated with PCOS, ovarian cancer, tubal pregnancy, endometrial cancer, uterine leiomyoma (fibroids), cervical cancer and preeclampsia, suggesting the need to utilize these molecules in the clinical setting. To enhance a quick development of this gradually emerging field in female reproductive medicine, we have highlighted some "gaps in knowledge" that need prospective investigation.//////////////////
NCBI Summary:
This gene belongs to the ephrin receptor subfamily of the protein-tyrosine kinase family. EPH and EPH-related receptors have been implicated in mediating developmental events, particularly in the nervous system. Receptors in the EPH subfamily typically have a single kinase domain and an extracellular region containing a Cys-rich domain and 2 fibronectin type III repeats. The ephrin receptors are divided into 2 groups based on the similarity of their extracellular domain sequences and their affinities for binding ephrin-A and ephrin-B ligands. This gene is expressed in some human cancer cell lines and has been implicated in carcinogenesis. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]
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