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Role of the Family of Ephs and Ephrins in Cell-Cell Communication in Cancer

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Intercellular Communication in Cancer

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Abstract

Modes of intercellular communication that require direct cell membrane-to-membrane interactions do not always involve the formation of junctional structures such as gap or tight junctions. An important example of such communication, involves the large family of proteins called Eph receptors (Erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular carcinoma) and their ligands called Ephrins. In this review, we will introduce these proteins, their structural and functional features as well as their increasingly recognized role in cancer. Rather than providing a comprehensive report of all available data for each of the proteins and their characteristics, we will focus on introducing some key concepts of this protein family such as the fact that both receptors and ligands are membrane-embedded, thus eliciting bidirectional signaling, their dual and antagonistic functions in biological processes, and also their ability to engage in cis and trans interactions. We will also provide literature data to illustrate the genesis and transduction of signaling through Ephs and Ephrins. Finally, an important part of this chapter will be dedicated to integrating the functions of Ephs and Ephrins within the global system of cell-cell communication. These and other concepts will be addressed in view of their importance in understanding cancer progression and shedding light on the therapeutic pertinence of targeting these proteins. The authors apologize for overlooking important data available, because choices had to be made and focus was on illustrative examples rather than global survey of information.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA

    Mohamed Amessou & Mustapha Kandouz

  2. Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA

    Mustapha Kandouz

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  1. Mohamed Amessou
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  2. Mustapha Kandouz
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    Mustapha Kandouz

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Amessou, M., Kandouz, M. (2015). Role of the Family of Ephs and Ephrins in Cell-Cell Communication in Cancer. In: Kandouz, M. (eds) Intercellular Communication in Cancer. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-7380-5_10

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