Epha4

Definition

EphA4 is a member of the Eph receptor family, which are receptor tyrosine kinases that play critical roles in developmental processes, particularly in limb development and patterning. EphA4 is involved in mediating cell-cell interactions during the formation of the limb structures, influencing cell migration, and establishing boundaries between different tissue types. It helps to refine the growth and organization of limbs by guiding the positioning of cells through its interaction with ephrin ligands.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. EphA4 is critical for establishing the anterior-posterior axis in limb development, influencing how tissues differentiate along this axis.
2. It participates in boundary formation during limb patterning, helping cells decide their fate and position within the developing limb.
3. EphA4 signaling can promote cell repulsion, which aids in creating distinct compartments within the limb bud and contributes to proper limb shape.
4. Studies show that loss of function of EphA4 can lead to defects in limb outgrowth and patterning, demonstrating its essential role during embryonic development.
5. EphA4 interacts with both Ephrin-A and Ephrin-B families, allowing it to participate in complex signaling networks that regulate developmental processes.

Review Questions

• How does EphA4 contribute to the establishment of the anterior-posterior axis during limb development?
  • EphA4 plays a key role in establishing the anterior-posterior axis by influencing how cells differentiate and position themselves within the limb bud. It mediates interactions with ephrins that help delineate boundaries between different tissue types. By directing cell migration and promoting repulsion among certain cell populations, EphA4 ensures that specific cell types are correctly positioned along this axis, which is crucial for proper limb formation.
• Discuss the importance of EphA4 signaling in the context of cell compartmentalization within developing limbs.
  • EphA4 signaling is vital for compartmentalization within developing limbs as it helps establish boundaries between different cell populations. The receptor’s interactions with ephrins lead to repulsive signaling that separates distinct tissues and influences their respective fates. This compartmentalization is essential for forming a well-organized limb structure where each compartment can develop its specific characteristics without interference from neighboring cells.
• Evaluate how disruptions in EphA4 function can impact overall limb morphology and potential regenerative capabilities.
  • Disruptions in EphA4 function can significantly impact overall limb morphology by leading to improper patterning and outgrowth during development. Such defects might manifest as missing structures or malformed limbs due to misdirected cell migration and inadequate boundary formation. Additionally, understanding these disruptions can inform regenerative medicine approaches; if we know how EphA4 influences regeneration pathways, we could potentially harness or replicate these mechanisms to improve healing processes following injury or congenital malformations.

Related terms

Ephrins: A family of proteins that act as ligands for Eph receptors, playing essential roles in cell communication and tissue organization during development.

Limb Bud: An early stage in limb development, where mesenchymal cells condense to form the basic structure of limbs, influenced by signaling pathways including those mediated by EphA4.

Cell Migration:

The process by which cells move from one area to another, a vital mechanism regulated by signals such as those from EphA4 during limb formation.