Ephrin-A4

Ephrin-A4 (EFNA4) is a GPI-anchored member of the ephrin-A subclass that binds and activates EphA receptors such as EphA2 and EphA4. Compared with its siblings, ephrin-A4 stands out for its expression in developing and remodeling vasculature, where it supports endothelial cell adhesion, migration and angiogenic sprouting. It also functions in the nervous system, contributing to axon guidance and to the patterning of neural crest-derived structures. Ephrin-A4 is up-regulated in tumor-associated blood vessels of several cancers, which has motivated its investigation as a vascular target for imaging and drug delivery. Like other A-class ephrins, it can transduce reverse signals through its GPI anchor and associated membrane machinery.