Ephrin type-A receptor 7 (EPHA7)

Ephrin type-A receptor 7 (EPHA7) is a member of the Ephrin receptor subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases, characterized by a single intracellular kinase domain and an extracellular region containing a cysteine-rich domain and two fibronectin type-III repeats. EPHA7 binds membrane-anchored ephrin-A ligands, particularly EFNA5, mediating bidirectional cell-cell signaling involved in axon guidance, neural development, cell adhesion/repulsion, and apoptosis. It plays a critical tumor suppressor role in follicular lymphoma and is frequently inactivated by deletions or promoter methylation in prostate cancer, with experimental evidence for soluble EPHA7 as a therapeutic. Ephrin receptor signaling through EPHA7 regulates key pathways—including ERK/MAPK, and cell fate decisions—making it relevant both as a target and a biomarker in certain cancers and developmental disorders.

Other names

EPH receptor A7EPHA7EHK3HEK11EHK-3EK11hEK11Hek11EPH homology kinase 3EPH-like kinase 11Eph homology kinase-3receptor protein-tyrosine kinase HEK11tyrosine-protein kinase receptor EHK-3

Ligand binding induces heterotetramerization followed by transphosphorylation and activation of downstream signaling pathways (ERK/MAPK). Soluble EphA7 can act as a decoy, inhibiting oncogenic Eph signaling. Epigenetic modulation—restoration of EphA7 expression can suppress tumorigenesis.