EFNA4 Human Recombinant Protein

This gene encodes a member of the ephrin (EPH) family. The ephrins and EPH-related receptors comprise the largest subfamily of receptor protein-tyrosine kinases and have been implicated in mediating developmental events, especially in the nervous system and in erythropoiesis. Based on their structures and sequence relationships, ephrins are divided into the ephrin-A (EFNA) class, which are anchored to the membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol linkage, and the ephrin-B (EFNB) class, which are transmembrane proteins. This gene encodes an EFNA class ephrin. Three transcript variants that encode distinct proteins have been identified. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

EFNA4: 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. May play a role in the interaction between activated B-lymphocytes and dendritic cells in tonsils. Belongs to the ephrin family. 2 isoforms of the human protein are produced by alternative splicing.

Protein type: Membrane protein, GPI anchor; Ligand, receptor tyrosine kinase

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 1q21-q22

Cellular Component: integral to plasma membrane; plasma membrane; extracellular region

Molecular Function: protein binding; transmembrane-ephrin receptor activity; ephrin receptor binding

Biological Process: axon guidance; cell-cell signaling; ephrin receptor signaling pathway; osteoclast differentiation; bone remodeling