Ephrin-A3 (EFNA3)

Ephrin-A3 is a **cell surface GPI-anchored ligand** for the Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases, which are among the largest known subfamilies of such receptors[1][2][7]. The protein is crucial for mediating cell-cell communication, especially during developmental processes like nervous system patterning and erythropoiesis. Ephrin-A3 binds promiscuously to various Eph receptors on neighboring cells, resulting in **contact-dependent, bidirectional signaling**: “forward” signaling through the Eph receptor and “reverse” signaling through ephrin[2][7]. Defects or changes in EFNA3 expression have been linked to epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, and cancer, notably functioning in some settings as a tumor suppressor[2][6]. This protein belongs to the ephrin-A subclass, which is characterized by glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchoring, distinguishing them from transmembrane ephrin-B proteins[1][2][7].

Other names

Ephrin-A3EFL2EPLG3LERK3EHK1-LLERK-3Ehk1-LEFL-2EHK1 ligandEPH-related receptor tyrosine kinase ligand 3ligand of eph-related kinase 3

Binding to Eph receptor tyrosine kinases, activating bidirectional signaling pathways affecting cell behavior[2][7].