Ephs and Ephrins in Malignant Gliomas #MMPMID25418012
Ferluga S; Debinski W
Growth Factors 2014[Dec]; 32 (6): 190-201 PMID25418012show ga
Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and the corresponding ephrin ligands play a pivotal role in glioma development and progression. Aberrant protein expression levels of the Eph receptors and ephrins are often associated with higher tumor grade and poor prognosis. Their function in tumorigenesis is complex due to the intricate network of possible co-occurring interactions between neighboring tumor cells and tumor microenvironment. Both Ephs and ephrins localize on the surface of tumor cells, tumor vasculature, glioma stem cells tumor cells infiltrating brain and immune cells infiltrating tumors. They can both promote and inhibit tumorigenicity depending on the downstream forward and reverse signalling generated. All the above-mentioned features make the Ephs/ephrins system an intriguing candidate for the development of new therapeutic strategies in glioma treatment. This review will give a general overview on structure and function of Ephs and ephrins, with particular emphasis on the state-of-the-knowledge of their role in malignant gliomas.