EPHA5

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EPHA5

A gene on chromosome 4q13.1 that encodes a member of the ephrin-A receptor subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases, which “promiscuously” bind membrane-bound ephrin-A family ligands residing on adjacent cells, leading to contact-dependent bidirectional signalling into neighbouring cells. EPNA5 is thought to constitute the cognate/functional ligand for EPHA5, acting as an axon guidance molecule during development. EPHA5 may be involved in the development of retinotectal, entorhino-hippocampal and hippocamposeptal pathways; with EFNA5 it also play a role in synaptic plasticity in adult brain by regulating synaptogenesis. In addition to its role in the nervous system, the EPHA5/EFNA5 interaction mediates communication between pancreatic islet cells to regulate glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.