Targeting EphA2 in Cancer

Overview

Journal J Hematol Oncol

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialties Hematology
Oncology

Date 2020 Aug 20

PMID 32811512

Citations 90

Authors

Ta Xiao

Yuhang Xiao

Wenxiang Wang

Yan Yan Tang

Zhiqiang Xiao

Min Su

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Eph receptors and the corresponding Eph receptor-interacting (ephrin) ligands jointly constitute a critical cell signaling network that has multiple functions. The tyrosine kinase EphA2, which belongs to the family of Eph receptors, is highly produced in tumor tissues, while found at relatively low levels in most normal adult tissues, indicating its potential application in cancer treatment. After 30 years of investigation, a large amount of data regarding EphA2 functions have been compiled. Meanwhile, several compounds targeting EphA2 have been evaluated and tested in clinical studies, albeit with limited clinical success. The present review briefly describes the contribution of EphA2-ephrin A1 signaling axis to carcinogenesis. In addition, the roles of EphA2 in resistance to molecular-targeted agents were examined. In particular, we focused on EphA2's potential as a target for cancer treatment to provide insights into the application of EphA2 targeting in anticancer strategies. Overall, EphA2 represents a potential target for treating malignant tumors.

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