Ephrin and Eph Receptor Signaling in Female Reproductive Physiology and Pathology.

Ephrin and Eph Receptor Signaling in Female Reproductive Physiology and Pathology. Biol Reprod. 2020 Sep 17;: Authors: Adu-Gyamfi EA, Czika A, Liu TH, Gorleku PN, Fondjo LA, Djankpa FT, Ding YB, Wang YX Abstract Ephrins are ligands of Eph receptors (Ephs); both of which are sorted into two classes, A and B. There are five types of ephrin-As (ephrin-A1-5) and three types of ephrin-Bs (ephrin-B1-3). Also, there are ten types of EphAs (EphA1-10) and six types of EphBs (EphB1-6). Binding of ephrins to the Eph receptors activates signaling cascades that regulate several biological processes such as cellular proliferation, differentiation, migration, angiogenesis and vascular remodeling. Clarification of their roles in the female reproductive system is crucial to understanding the physiology and pathology of this system. Such knowledge will also create awareness regarding the importance of these molecules in diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic medicine. Hence, we have discussed the involvement of these molecules in the physiological and pathological events that occur within the female reproductive system. The evidence so far suggests that the ephrins and the Eph receptors modulate folliculogenesis, ovulation, embryo transport, implantation and placentation. Abnormal expression of some of these molecules is associated with PCOS, ovarian cancer, tubal pregnancy, endometrial cancer, uterine leiomyoma (fibroids), cervical cancer and preecla...
Source: Biology of Reproduction - Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: Tags: Biol Reprod Source Type: research