EPHA5

Ephrin type-A receptor 5 (EPHA5), also known as HEK7, CEK7, or REK7, is a tyrosine kinase receptor belonging to the Eph receptor family. It mediates bidirectional signaling through interactions with membrane-bound ephrin-A ligands, regulating cell-cell communication critical for embryonic development, neuronal network formation, and tissue homeostasis. EPHA5 participates in axon guidance, synaptic plasticity, and cell adhesion via modulation of Rho GTPase pathways and MAPK cascades. Dysregulated EPHA5 expression is implicated in multiple cancers, including glioblastoma, prostate cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer, where it promotes tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. Emerging evidence also links EPHA5 dysfunction to Alzheimer's disease through amyloid-beta-induced synaptic toxicity. While no EPHA5-targeted therapies have reached clinical trials, preclinical studies explore small-molecule kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies to disrupt EPHA5-ephrin interactions in oncology. Its dual role as both tumor promoter and neural regulator presents challenges for therapeutic development, necessitating cell-type-specific targeting strategies.