EphA8

EphA8 was originally identified in nervous tissue and exemplifies the versatility of Eph receptor signaling: besides its canonical kinase-dependent pathway, it can regulate neurite outgrowth and cell adhesion through kinase-independent mechanisms that engage cytoplasmic partners such as Fyn-family Src kinases and Rho GTPase regulators. EphA8 is expressed in the nervous system, testis and adrenal gland, and it modulates neuronal migration, axon guidance and cell spreading. Altered EphA8 expression has been reported in gliomas and in melanoma, where it may affect invasive growth. Recombinant EphA8 is a useful tool for dissecting kinase-dependent versus kinase-independent Eph signaling.