doi: 10.5732/cjc.013.10108

The role of EPH receptors in cancer-related epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Rui-Xin Li, Zi-Hua Chen, Zhi-Kang Chen

Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P. R. China.

[Abstract] Erythropoietin-producing hepatoma (EPH) receptors are considered the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases and play key roles in physiological and pathologic processes in development and disease. EPH receptors are often overexpressed in human malignancies and are associated with poor prognosis. However, the functions of EPH receptors in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) remain largely unknown. This review depicts the relationship between EPH receptors and the EMT marker E-cadherin as well as the crosstalk between EPH receptors and the signaling pathways involved EMT. Further discussion is focused on the clinical significance of EPH receptors as candidates for targeting in cancer therapeutics. Finally, we summarize how targeted inhibition of both EPH receptors and EMT-related signaling pathways represents a novel strategy for cancer treatment.

Chinese Journal of Cancer 2014, Volume: 33, Issue 5, Page: 231-240

[ PDF Full-text ]
[ PubMed ]
[Google Scholar]

Cite this article

Rui-Xin Li, Zi-Hua Chen, Zhi-Kang Chen. The role of EPH receptors in cancer-related epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Chin J Cancer. 2014, 33(5):231-240. doi:10.5732/cjc.013.10108


Export citations

EndNote