Recombinant Human EphB6 Protein

Ephrins are divided into the ephrin-A (EFNA) class and the ephrin-B (EFNB) class based on their structures and sequence relationships. Ephrin receptors make up the largest subgroup of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family. EphB6 is an unusual Eph receptor; lacking catalytic capacity due to alterations in its kinase domain. Interestingly; increased metastatic activity is associated with reduced EphB6 receptor expression in several tumor types; including breast cancer. This emphasizes the potential of EphB6 to act as a suppressor of cancer aggressiveness. EphB6 suppress cancer invasiveness through c-Cbl-dependent signaling; morphologic changes; and cell attachment and indicate that EphB6 may represent a useful prognostic marker and a promising target for therapeutic approaches. EphB6 can both positively and negatively regulate cell adhesion and migration; and suggest that tyrosine phosphorylation of the receptor by an Src family kinase acts as the molecular switch for the functional transition. In addition; Ephrin-B2 may be a physiological ligand for the EphB6 receptor.