Ephrin-A3

Ephrin-A3, encoded by EFNA3, is a GPI-anchored ligand with preference for EphA4, EphA6 and EphA7 among the A-class receptors. In the developing nervous system it helps map retinal axons onto their targets and directs motor axons to specific motor neuron pools in the spinal cord. Beyond classic guidance roles, ephrin-A3 expressed by astrocytes has been reported to restrain glutamate transporter expression and excitatory synapse number, linking ephrin signaling to synaptic homeostasis. Ephrin-A3 also participates in lung branching morphogenesis and vascular development, and altered expression has been noted in several tumors. Its blend of axon-guidance and glia-mediated synaptic modulation makes ephrin-A3 functionally distinct from its A-class siblings.