Overview:

EPHA4 also known as EPH receptor A4, belongs to the ephrin receptor subfamily of protein-tyrosine kinases which have been implicated in mediating developmental events, particularly in the nervous system (1). The EPHA4 ligand ephrin-A3 is localized to the astrocytic processes that envelop the spine. Activation of EPHA4 by ephrin-A3 induces spinal retraction and reduces spine density and inhibits the interaction distorted spine shape and organization. EphA4-null mice possess defects in the corticospinal tract and anterior commissure indicating a model in which an ephrin ligand on the axons senses EPHA4 on spinal cord cells surrounding the corticospinal tract (2).

Gene Aliases:

SEK, HEK8, TYRO1

Genbank Number:

NM_004438

References:

1. Flanagan, J.G. et al: The ephrins and Eph receptors in neural development.". Annu. Rev. Neurosci. 1998;21: 309–45.

2. Dottori, M. et al: EphA4 (Sek1) receptor tyrosine kinase is required for the development of the corticospinal tract. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. 95: 13248-13253, 1998.