Ephrin type-B receptor 1 (EPHB1)

Ephrin type-B receptor 1 (EPHB1) is a member of the Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases that serve as key mediators of cell-cell communication during development and in adult tissues[1][7]. EPHB1 binds to ephrin-B ligands on adjacent cells, initiating a unique form of contact-dependent bidirectional signaling: forward signaling through EPHB1 and reverse signaling through the ephrin ligands[1][9]. This receptor is crucial in axon guidance, particularly in the nervous system where it regulates retinal axon crossing and neural progenitor dynamics. Beyond the nervous system, EPHB1 participates in angiogenesis, cell migration, cell adhesion, and stem cell maintenance, and is implicated in cancer biology and progression[1][3][7]. EPHB1-mediated signaling activates several downstream pathways, including MAPK/ERK and JNK, affecting cell proliferation, polarity, and chemotaxis. Because of its involvement in developmental, neural, and oncogenic processes, EPHB1 and related receptors are being explored as therapeutic targets, particularly in oncology and regenerative medicine[1][4].

Other names

EphB1ELKEPHT2HEK6NETEK6hEK6EPH tyrosine kinase 2Eph-like kinase 6Neuronally-expressed EPH-related tyrosine kinaseTyrosine-protein kinase receptor EPH-2

Inhibition of kinase domain signaling (small molecules, e.g., kinase inhibitors); Blockade of ephrin ligand-receptor interaction (antibodies or fusion proteins); Induction of receptor internalization and degradation (antibody-drug conjugates, biologics)