Transcriptional and Post-Translational Control Mechanisms for EphB4 Expression in Physiology and Cancer Disease

Crit Rev Eukaryot Gene Expr. 2021;31(2):83-88. doi: 10.1615/CritRevEukaryotGeneExpr.2021037928.

Abstract

EphB4 is a membrane tyrosine kinase receptor involved in a number of physiologic and pathologic conditions, cancer being the one drawing the highest attention. In mammalians, EphB4 regulates blood vessel growth and differentiation. EphB4 also mediates a number of cancer promoting effects including angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Its effects have been linked to both EphrinB2-dependent and to EphrinB2-independent mechanisms. In spite of its emerging role in physiology and disease, the regulation of EphB4 cellular expression has been poorly described until recently. The present mini-review summarizes the latest findings on EphB4 regulation at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level and discusses the biologic implications of such novel findings. Perspective on the scenarios opened by such findings and the open questions in EphB4 research is also provided.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Humans
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor II / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational*
  • Receptor, EphB4 / genetics*
  • Receptor, Insulin / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Transcription, Genetic*

Substances

  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor II
  • Receptor, EphB4
  • Receptor, Insulin