Fibroblast growth factor receptor-mediated rescue of x-ephrin B1-induced cell dissociation in Xenopus embryos

Ephrin-B1 regulates cell surface residency of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) and complexes with the HSPG CD44V3-10 and fibroblast growth factor receptors

The ephrin family of membrane proteins mediate intracellular signalling as ligands of transmembrane Eph tyrosine kinase receptors during cell-cell interactions. Ephrin/Eph signalling regulates processes like cell migration and angiogenesis and is of particular importance during embryonic development. Ephrins-A3 and -B3 can also bind to cell surface-associated and soluble heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) that also play important roles during early development. Here we show that ephrins-B1, -B2, and -B3 all can bind in cis to cell surface HSPGs, while only ephrin-B1 interacts with cell surface HSPGs in a way that retards HSPG endocytosis. Expressing ephrin-B1 in HEK293T cells, using polyethyleneimine (PEI) as transfection agent, increased cell surface levels of HSPGs which were detected by an anti-heparan sulfate (HS) antibody or by ephrin-B3-Fc binding. Ephrin-B1 in the plasma membrane seemed to retard PEI-induced HSPG internalisation and degradation. Binding of HSPGs by ephrin-B1 was observed for the human, mouse, xenopus, and zebrafish homologs, and did not require the cytoplasmic tail of ephrin-B1 that contains tyrosines shown to be involved in intracellular signalling. Furthermore, ephrin-B1 could bind the HSPG variant of CD44 (CD44V3-10), a complex that could further associate with fibroblast growth factor receptors (1 and 4) after co-expression with one of these receptors. In summary, our data indicate that ephrin-B1 can regulate cellular HSPG turnover and is able to form complexes of potential biological importance with CD44V3-10 and fibroblast growth factor receptors.

EphA1 receptor tyrosine kinase is localized to the nucleus in rhabdomyosarcoma from multiple species

While the typical role of receptor tyrosine kinases is to receive and transmit signals at the cell surface, in some cellular contexts (particularly transformed cells) they may also act as nuclear proteins. Aberrant nuclear localization of receptor tyrosine kinases associated with transformation often enhances the transformed phenotype (i.e. nuclear ErbBs promote tumor progression in breast cancer). Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most common soft tissue tumor in children, develops to resemble immature skeletal muscle and has been proposed to derive from muscle stem/progenitor cells (satellite cells). It is an aggressive cancer with a 5-year survival rate of 33% if it has metastasized. Eph receptor tyrosine kinases have been implicated in the development and progression of many other tumor types, but there are only two published studies of Ephs localizing to the nucleus of any cell type and to date no nuclear RTKs have been identified in RMS. In a screen for protein expression of Ephs in canine RMS primary tumors as well as mouse and human RMS cell lines, we noted strong expression of EphA1 in the nucleus of interphase cells in tumors from all three species. This localization pattern changes in dividing cells, with EphA1 localizing to the nucleus or the cytoplasm depending on the phase of the cell cycle. These data represent the first case of a nuclear RTK in RMS, and the first time that EphA1 has been detected in the nucleus of any cell type.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of EPH/EPHRIN signaling in evolution and development

The EPH receptor tyrosine kinases and their signaling partners, the EPHRINS, comprise a large class of cell signaling molecules that plays diverse roles in development. As cell membrane-anchored signaling molecules, they regulate cellular organization by modulating the strength of cellular contacts, usually by impacting the actin cytoskeleton or cell adhesion programs. Through these cellular functions, EPH/EPHRIN signaling often regulates tissue shape. Indeed, recent evidence indicates that this signaling family is ancient and associated with the origin of multicellularity. Though extensively studied, our understanding of the signaling mechanisms employed by this large family of signaling proteins remains patchwork, and a truly "canonical" EPH/EPHRIN signal transduction pathway is not known and may not exist. Instead, several foundational evolutionarily conserved mechanisms are overlaid by a myriad of tissue -specific functions, though common themes emerge from these as well. Here, I review recent advances and the related contexts that have provided new understanding of the conserved and varied molecular and cellular mechanisms employed by EPH/EPHRIN signaling during development.

Satb2 Regulates EphA7 to Control Soma Spacing and Self-Avoidance of Cortical Pyramidal Neurons

Soma spacing and dendritic arborization during brain development are key events for the establishment of proper neural circuitry and function. Transcription factor Satb2 is a molecular node in regulating the development of the cerebral cortex, as shown by the facts that Satb2 is required for the regionalization of retrosplenial cortex, the determination of callosal neuron fate, and the regulation of soma spacing and dendritic self-avoidance of cortical pyramidal neurons. In this study, we explored downstream effectors that mediate the Satb2-implicated soma spacing and dendritic self-avoidance. First, RNA-seq analysis of the cortex revealed differentially expressed genes between control and Satb2 CKO mice. Among them, EphA7 transcription was dramatically increased in layers II/III of Satb2 CKO cortex. Overexpression of EphA7 in the late-born cortical neurons of wild-type mice via in utero electroporation resulted in soma clumping and impaired self-avoidance of affected pyramidal neurons, which resembles the phenotypes caused by knockdown of Satb2 expression. Importantly, the phenotypes by Satb2 knockdown was rescued by reducing EphA7 expression in the cortex. Finally, ChIP and luciferase reporter assays indicated a direct suppression of EphA7 expression by Satb2. These findings provide new insights into the complexity of transcriptional regulation of the morphogenesis of cerebral cortex.

The RTK Interactome: Overview and Perspective on RTK Heterointeractions

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) play important roles in cell growth, motility, differentiation, and survival. These single-pass membrane proteins are grouped into subfamilies based on the similarity of their extracellular domains. They are generally thought to be activated by ligand binding, which promotes homodimerization and then autophosphorylation in trans. However, RTK interactions are more complicated, as RTKs can interact in the absence of ligand and heterodimerize within and across subfamilies. Here, we review the known cross-subfamily RTK heterointeractions and their possible biological implications, as well as the methodologies which have been used to study them. Moreover, we demonstrate how thermodynamic models can be used to study RTKs and to explain many of the complicated biological effects which have been described in the literature. Finally, we discuss the concept of the RTK interactome: a putative, extensive network of interactions between the RTKs. This RTK interactome can produce unique signaling outputs; can amplify, inhibit, and modify signaling; and can allow for signaling backups. The existence of the RTK interactome could provide an explanation for the irreproducibility of experimental data from different studies and for the failure of some RTK inhibitors to produce the desired therapeutic effects. We argue that a deeper knowledge of RTK interactome thermodynamics can lead to a better understanding of fundamental RTK signaling processes in health and disease. We further argue that there is a need for quantitative, thermodynamic studies that probe the strengths of the interactions between RTKs and their ligands and between different RTKs.

Eph signaling controls mitotic spindle orientation and cell proliferation in neuroepithelial cells

In this study, Franco and Carmena uncover a function for Eph signaling as a novel extrinsic mechanism controlling mitotic spindle alignment in Drosophila neuroepithelial cells through aPKC activity–dependent myosin II regulation. Additionally, Eph loss leads to a Rho signaling–dependent activation of the PI3K–Akt1 pathway, enhancing cell proliferation within this neuroepithelium.

Mitotic spindle orientation must be tightly regulated during development and adult tissue homeostasis. It determines cell-fate specification and tissue architecture during asymmetric and symmetric cell division, respectively. Here, we uncover a novel role for Ephrin–Eph intercellular signaling in controlling mitotic spindle alignment in Drosophila optic lobe neuroepithelial cells through aPKC activity–dependent myosin II regulation. We show that conserved core components of the mitotic spindle orientation machinery, including Discs Large1, Mud/NuMA, and Canoe/Afadin, mislocalize in dividing Eph mutant neuroepithelial cells and produce spindle alignment defects in these cells when they are down-regulated. In addition, the loss of Eph leads to a Rho signaling–dependent activation of the PI3K–Akt1 pathway, enhancing cell proliferation within this neuroepithelium. Hence, Eph signaling is a novel extrinsic mechanism that regulates both spindle orientation and cell proliferation in the Drosophila optic lobe neuroepithelium. Similar mechanisms could operate in other Drosophila and vertebrate epithelia.

TBC1d24-ephrinB2 interaction regulates contact inhibition of locomotion in neural crest cell migration

Although Eph-ephrin signalling has been implicated in the migration of cranial neural crest (CNC) cells, it is still unclear how ephrinB transduces signals regulating this event. We provide evidence that TBC1d24, a putative Rab35-GTPase activating protein (Rab35 GAP), complexes with ephrinB2 via the scaffold Dishevelled (Dsh) and mediates a signal affecting contact inhibition of locomotion (CIL) in CNC cells. Moreover, we found that, in migrating CNC, the interaction between ephrinB2 and TBC1d24 negatively regulates E-cadherin recycling in these cells via Rab35. Upon engagement of the cognate Eph receptor, ephrinB2 is tyrosine phosphorylated, which disrupts the ephrinB2/Dsh/TBC1d24 complex. The dissolution of this complex leads to increasing E-cadherin levels at the plasma membrane, resulting in loss of CIL and disrupted CNC migration. Our results indicate that TBC1d24 is a critical player in ephrinB2 control of CNC cell migration via CIL.

A frog's view of EphrinB signaling

Cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesion are essential to the proper formation and maintenance of tissue patterns during development, and deregulation of these processes can lead to invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. Cell surface adhesion and signaling molecules are key players in both normal development and cancer progression. One set of cell surface proteins, the Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and their membrane-bound ligands, ephrins, are significant regulators of these processes. During embryonic development, the Eph/ephrin signaling system is involved in cell-cell contact events that result in cell sorting and boundary formation between receptor and ligand bearing cells. When migrating cells that display the membrane bound ligands or receptors come in contact with cells bearing the cognate partner, the response may be adhesion or repulsion, ultimately leading to the proper positioning of these cells. During cancer progression, the signaling between these receptor/ligand pairs is often deregulated, leading to increased invasion and metastasis. To gain mechanistic insight into the pathways that mediate Eph receptor and ephrin signaling we have relied upon a very tractable system, the frog Xenopus. This model system has proven to be extremely versatile, and represents a relatively quick and manipulable system to explore signaling events and the in vivo processes affected by these signals.

Differential gene expression profiles in foetal skin of Rex rabbits with different wool density

<p>This study investigated the mechanisms controlling hair follicle development in the Rex rabbit. The Agilent rabbit gene expression microarray was used to determine differentially expressed genes in Rex rabbit foetuses with different wool densities. The expression patterns of selected differentially-expressed genes were further investigated by quantitative real-time PCR. Compared to low wool density rabbits, 1342 differentially expressed probes were identified in high wool density rabbits, including 950 upregulated probes and 392 downregulated probes. Gene ontology analysis revealed that the most upregulated differentially expressed probes belonged to receptors and the most downregulated differentially expressed probes belonged to DNA binding molecules. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis revealed that the differentially expressed probes were mainly involved in the sonic hedgehog (Shh) and Eph signalling pathways. The results also suggest that transforming growth factor-beta 1, growth hormone receptor, and the keratin-associated protein 6.1 genes, as well as the Shh and Eph signalling pathways, may be involved in the regulation of hair follicle developmental in Rex rabbits.</p>

Dlg-1 Interacts With and Regulates the Activities of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors and EphA2 in the Mouse Lens

PURPOSE

We previously showed that Discs large-1 (Dlg-1) regulates lens fiber cell structure and the fibroblast growth factor receptor (Fgfr) signaling pathway, a pathway required for fiber cell differentiation. Herein, we investigated the mechanism through which Dlg-1 regulates Fgfr signaling.

METHODS

Immunofluorescence was used to measure levels of Fgfr1, Fgfr2, and activated Fgfr signaling intermediates, pErk and pAkt, in control and Dlg-1-deficient lenses that were haplodeficient for Fgfr1 or Fgfr2. Immunoblotting was used to measure levels of N-cadherin, EphA2, β-catenin, and tyrosine-phosphorylated EphA2, Fgfr1, Fgfr2, and Fgfr3 in cytoskeletal-associated and cytosolic fractions of control and Dlg-1-deficient lenses. Complex formation between Dlg-1, N-cadherin, β-catenin, Fgfr1, Fgfr2, Fgfr3, and EphA2 was assessed by coimmunoprecipitation.

RESULTS

Lenses deficient for Dlg-1 and haplodeficient for Fgfr1 or Fgfr2 showed increased levels of Fgfr2 or Fgfr1, respectively. Levels of pErk and pAkt correlated with the level of Fgfr2. N-cadherin was reduced in the cytoskeletal-associated fraction and increased in the cytosolic fraction of Dlg-1-deficient lenses. Dlg-1 complexed with β-catenin, EphA2, Fgfr1, Fgfr2, and Fgfr3. EphA2 complexed with N-cadherin, β-catenin, Fgfr1, Fgfr2, and Fgfr3. Levels of these interactions were altered in Dlg-1-deficient lenses. Loss of Dlg-1 led to changes in Fgfr1, Fgfr2, Fgfr3, and EphA2 levels and to greater changes in the levels of their activation.

CONCLUSIONS

Dlg-1 complexes with and regulates the activities of EphA2, Fgfr1, Fgfr2, and Fgfr3. As EphA2 contains a Psd95/Dlg/ZO-1 (PDZ) binding motif, whereas Fgfrs do not, we propose that the PDZ protein, Dlg-1, modulates Fgfr signaling through regulation of EphA2.

EphrinB2/EphB4 pathway in postnatal angiogenesis: a potential therapeutic target for ischemic cardiovascular disease

Ischemic cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. Proangiogenic therapy appears to be a promising and feasible strategy for the patients with ischemic cardiovascular disease, but the results of preclinical and clinical trials are limited due to the complicated mechanisms of angiogenesis. Facilitating the formation of functional vessels is important in rescuing the ischemic cardiomyocytes. EphrinB2/EphB4, a novel pathway in angiogenesis, plays a critical role in both microvascular growth and neovascular maturation. Hence, investigating the mechanisms of EphrinB2/EphB4 pathway in angiogenesis may contribute to the development of novel therapeutics for ischemic cardiovascular disease. Previous reviews mainly focused on the role of EphrinB2/EphB4 pathway in embryo vascular development, but their role in postnatal angiogenesis in ischemic heart disease has not been fully illustrated. Here, we summarized the current knowledge of EphrinB2/EphB4 in angiogenesis and their interaction with other angiogenic pathways in ischemic cardiovascular disease.

Keeping an eye on SOXC proteins

The formation of a mature, functional eye requires a complex series of cell proliferation, migration, induction among different germinal layers, and cell differentiation. These processes are regulated by extracellular cues such as the Wnt/BMP/Hh/Fgf signaling pathways, as well as cell intrinsic transcription factors that specify cell fate. In this review article, we provide an overview of stages of embryonic eye morphogenesis, extrinsic and intrinsic factors that are required for each stage, and pediatric ocular diseases that are associated with defective eye development. In addition, we focus on recent findings about the roles of the SOXC proteins in regulating vertebrate ocular development and implicating SOXC mutations in human ocular malformations.

EphB/ephrinB signaling in cell adhesion and migration

Eph receptors and their ligands, ephrins, represent the largest group of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family, and they mediate numerous developmental processes in a variety of organisms. Ephrins are membrane-bound proteins that are mainly divided into two classes: A class ephrins, which are linked to the membrane by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) linkage, and B class ephrins, which are transmembrane ligands. Based on their domain structures and affinities for ligand binding, the Eph receptors are also divided into two groups. Trans-dimerization of Eph receptors with their membrane-tethered ligands regulates cell-cell interactions and initiates bidirectional signaling pathways. These pathways are intimately involved in regulating cytoskeleton dynamics, cell migration, and alterations in cellular dynamics and shapes. The EphBs and ephrinBs are specifically localized and modified to promote higher-order clustering and initiate of bidirectional signaling. In this review, we present an in-depth overview of the structure, mechanisms, cell signaling, and functions of EphB/ephrinB in cell adhesion and migration.

Pick1 modulates ephrinB1-induced junctional disassembly through an association with ephrinB1

Members of the Eph family have been implicated in the formation of cell-cell boundaries, cell movement, and positioning during development in the context of cancer progression. De-regulation of this signaling system is linked to the promotion of more aggressive and metastatic tumor phenotypes in a large variety of human cancers, including breast, lung, and prostate cancer, melanoma, and leukemia. Thus, it is interesting to consider the case of cancer progression where de-regulation of the Eph/ephrin signaling system results in invasion and metastasis. Here, we present evidence that Pick1, one of the essential components of the adherens junction, recovers ephrinB1-induced cell-cell de-adhesion. Loss of Pick1 leads to dissociation of epithelial cells via disruption of the adherens junction, a phenotype similar to ephrinB1 overexpression. In addition, overexpressed ephrinB1-induced disruption of the adherens junction is rescued via binding to Pick1. These data indicate that Pick1 is involved in regulating the cell-cell junction in epithelial cells, and this may influence therapeutic strategy decisions with regards to cell adhesion molecules in metastatic disease.

EphrinB1 interacts with CNK1 and promotes cell migration through c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation

The Eph receptors and their membrane-bound ligands, ephrins, play important roles in various biological processes such as cell adhesion and movement. The transmembrane ephrinBs transduce reverse signaling in a tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent or -independent, as well as PDZ-dependent manner. Here, we show that ephrinB1 interacts with Connector Enhancer of KSR1 (CNK1) in an EphB receptor-independent manner. In cultured cells, cotransfection of ephrinB1 with CNK1 increases JNK phosphorylation. EphrinB1/CNK1-mediated JNK activation is reduced by overexpression of dominant-negative RhoA. Overexpression of CNK1 alone is sufficient for activation of RhoA; however, both ephrinB1 and CNK1 are required for JNK phosphorylation. Co-immunoprecipitation data showed that ephrinB1 and CNK1 act as scaffold proteins that connect RhoA and JNK signaling components, such as p115RhoGEF and MKK4. Furthermore, adhesion to fibronectin or active Src overexpression increases ephrinB1/CNK1 binding, whereas blocking Src activity by a pharmacological inhibitor decreases not only ephrinB1/CNK1 binding, but also JNK activation. EphrinB1 overexpression increases cell motility, however, CNK1 depletion by siRNA abrogates ephrinB1-mediated cell migration and JNK activation. Moreover, Rho kinase inhibitor or JNK inhibitor treatment suppresses ephrinB1-mediated cell migration. Taken together, our findings suggest that CNK1 is required for ephrinB1-induced JNK activation and cell migration.

EphrinB2 affects apical constriction in Xenopus embryos and is regulated by ADAM10 and flotillin-1

The Eph/ephrin signalling pathways have a critical function in cell adhesion and repulsion, and thus play key roles in various morphogenetic events during development. Here we show that a decrease in ephrinB2 protein causes neural tube closure defects during Xenopus laevis embryogenesis. Such a decrease in ephrinB2 protein levels is observed on the loss of flotillin-1 scaffold protein, a newly identified ephrinB2-binding partner. This dramatic decline in ephrinB2 protein levels on the absence of flotillin-1 expression is specific, and is partly the result of an increased susceptibility to cleavage by the metalloprotease ADAM10. These findings indicate that flotillin-1 regulates ephrinB2 protein levels through ADAM10, and is required for appropriate neural tube morphogenesis in the Xenopus embryo.

Signaling mechanisms controlling cranial placode neurogenesis and delamination

The neurogenic cranial placodes are a unique transient epithelial niche of neural progenitor cells that give rise to multiple derivatives of the peripheral nervous system, particularly, the sensory neurons. Placode neurogenesis occurs throughout an extended period of time with epithelial cells continually recruited as neural progenitor cells. Sensory neuron development in the trigeminal, epibranchial, otic, and olfactory placodes coincides with detachment of these neuroblasts from the encompassing epithelial sheet, leading to delamination and ingression into the mesenchyme where they continue to differentiate as neurons. Multiple signaling pathways are known to direct placodal development. This review defines the signaling pathways working at the finite spatiotemporal period when neuronal selection within the placodes occurs, and neuroblasts concomitantly delaminate from the epithelium. Examining neurogenesis and delamination after initial placodal patterning and specification has revealed a common trend throughout the neurogenic placodes, which suggests that both activated FGF and attenuated Notch signaling activities are required for neurogenesis and changes in epithelial cell adhesion leading to delamination. We also address the varying roles of other pathways such as the Wnt and BMP signaling families during sensory neurogenesis and neuroblast delamination in the differing placodes.

The Smurf ubiquitin ligases regulate tissue separation via antagonistic interactions with ephrinB1

The formation of tissue boundaries is dependent on the cell-cell adhesion/repulsion system that is required for normal morphogenetic processes during development. The Smad ubiquitin regulatory factors (Smurfs) are E3 ubiquitin ligases with established roles in cell growth and differentiation, but whose roles in regulating cell adhesion and migration are just beginning to emerge. Here, we demonstrate that the Smurfs regulate tissue separation at mesoderm/ectoderm boundaries through antagonistic interactions with ephrinB1, an Eph receptor ligand that has a key role in regulating the separation of embryonic germ layers. EphrinB1 is targeted by Smurf2 for degradation; however, a Smurf1 interaction with ephrinB1 prevents the association with Smurf2 and precludes ephrinB1 from ubiquitination and degradation, since it is a substantially weaker substrate for Smurf1. Inhibition of Smurf1 expression in embryonic mesoderm results in loss of ephrinB1-mediated separation of this tissue from the ectoderm, which can be rescued by the coincident inhibition of Smurf2 expression. This system of differential interactions between Smurfs and ephrinB1 regulates the maintenance of tissue boundaries through the control of ephrinB protein levels.

Abelson interactor 1 (ABI1) and its interaction with Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (wasp) are critical for proper eye formation in Xenopus embryos

Abl interactor 1 (Abi1) is a scaffold protein that plays a central role in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics as a constituent of several key protein complexes, and homozygous loss of this protein leads to embryonic lethality in mice. Because this scaffold protein has been shown in cultured cells to be a critical component of pathways controlling cell migration and actin regulation at cell-cell contacts, we were interested to investigate the in vivo role of Abi1 in morphogenesis during the development of Xenopus embryos. Using morpholino-mediated translation inhibition, we demonstrate that knockdown of Abi1 in the whole embryo, or specifically in eye field progenitor cells, leads to disruption of eye morphogenesis. Moreover, signaling through the Src homology 3 domain of Abi1 is critical for proper movement of retinal progenitor cells into the eye field and their appropriate differentiation, and this process is dependent upon an interaction with the nucleation-promoting factor Wasp (Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein). Collectively, our data demonstrate that the Abi1 scaffold protein is an essential regulator of cell movement processes required for normal eye development in Xenopus embryos and specifically requires an Src homology 3 domain-dependent interaction with Wasp to regulate this complex morphogenetic process.

Essential roles of EphB receptors and EphrinB ligands in endothelial cell function and angiogenesis

Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and their Ephrin ligands represent an important signaling system with widespread roles in cell physiology and disease. Receptors and ligands in this family are anchored to the cell surface; thus Eph/Ephrin interactions mainly occur at sites of cell-to-cell contact. EphB4 and EphrinB2 are the Eph/Ephrin molecules that play essential roles in vascular development and postnatal angiogenesis. Analysis of expression patterns and function has linked EphB4/EphrinB2 to endothelial cell growth, survival, migration, assembly, and angiogenesis. Signaling from these molecules is complex, with the potential for being bidirectional, emanating both from the Eph receptors (forward signaling) and from the Ephrin ligands (reverse signaling). In this review, we describe recent advances on the roles of EphB/EphrinB protein family in endothelial cell function and outline potential approaches to inhibit pathological angiogenesis based on this understanding.

Eph-dependent cell-cell adhesion and segregation in development and cancer

Numerous studies attest to essential roles for Eph receptors and their ephrin ligands in controlling cell positioning and tissue patterning during normal and oncogenic development. These studies suggest multiple, sometimes contradictory, functions of Eph-ephrin signalling, which under different conditions can promote either spreading and cell-cell adhesion or cytoskeletal collapse, cell rounding, de-adhesion and cell-cell segregation. A principle determinant of the balance between these two opposing responses is the degree of receptor/ligand clustering and activation. This equilibrium is likely altered in cancers and modulated by somatic mutations of key Eph family members that have emerged as candidate cancer markers in recent profiling studies. In addition, cross-talk amongst Ephs and with other signalling pathways significantly modulates cell-cell adhesion, both between and within Eph- and ephrin-expressing cell populations. This review summarises our current understanding of how Eph receptors control cell adhesion and morphology, and presents examples demonstrating the importance of these events in normal development and cancer.

Non-SH2/PDZ reverse signaling by ephrins

Great strides have been made regarding our understanding of the processes and signaling events influenced by Eph/ephrin signaling that play a role in cell adhesion and cell movement. However, the precise mechanisms by which these signaling events regulate cell and tissue architecture still need further resolution. The Eph/ephrin signaling pathways and the ability to regulate cell-cell adhesion and motility constitutes an impressive system for regulating tissue separation and morphogenesis (Pasquale, 2005, 2008 [1,2]). Moreover, the de-regulation of this signaling system is linked to the promotion of aggressive and metastatic tumors in humans [2]. In the following section, we discuss some of the interesting mechanisms by which ephrins can signal through their own intracellular domains (reverse signaling) either independent of forward signaling or in addition to forward signaling through a cognate receptor. In this review we discuss how ephrins (Eph ligands) "reverse signal" through their intracellular domains to affect cell adhesion and movement, but the focus is on modes of action that are independent of SH2 and PDZ interactions.

Step-wise specification of retinal stem cells during normal embryogenesis

The specification of embryonic cells to produce the retina begins at early embryonic stages as a multi-step process that gradually restricts fate potentials. First, a subset of embryonic cells becomes competent to form retina by their lack of expression of endo-mesoderm-specifying genes. From these cells, a more restricted subset is biased to form retina by virtue of their close proximity to sources of bone morphogenetic protein antagonists during neural induction. During gastrulation, the definitive RSCs (retinal stem cells) are specified as the eye field by interactions with underlying mesoderm and the expression of a network of retina-specifying genes. As the eye field is transformed into the optic vesicle and optic cup, a heterogeneous population of RPCs (retinal progenitor cells) forms to give rise to the different domains of the retina: the optic stalk, retinal pigmented epithelium and neural retina. Further diversity of RPCs appears to occur under the influences of cell-cell interactions, cytokines and combinations of regulatory genes, leading to the differentiation of a multitude of different retinal cell types. This review examines what is known about each sequential step in retinal specification during normal vertebrate development, and how that knowledge will be important to understand how RSCs might be manipulated for regenerative therapies to treat retinal diseases.

Eph/ephrin signaling in cell-cell and cell-substrate adhesion

Cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion are critical processes for the formation and maintenance of tissue patterns during development, as well as control of invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. Although great strides have been made regarding our understanding of the processes that play a role in cell adhesion and cell movement, the precise mechanisms by which diverse signaling events regulate cell and tissue architecture are poorly understood. One group of cell surface molecules, Eph receptor tyrosine kinases, and their membrane-bound ligands, ephrins, are key regulators in these processes. It is the ability of Eph/ephrin signaling pathways to regulate cell-cell adhesion and motility that establishes this family as a formidable system for regulating tissue separation and morphogenesis. Moreover, the de-regulation of this signaling system is linked to the promotion of more aggressive and metastatic tumors in humans.

Ephrin reverse signaling in axon guidance and synaptogenesis

Axon-cell and axon-dendrite contact is a highly regulated process necessary for the formation of precise neural circuits and a functional neural network. Eph-ephrin interacting molecules on the membranes of axon nerve terminals and target dendrites act as bidirectional ligands/receptors to transduce signals into both the Eph-expressing and ephrin-expressing cells to regulate cytoskeletal dynamics. In particular, recent evidence indicates that ephrin reverse signal transduction events are important in controlling both axonal and dendritic elaborations of neurons in the developing nervous system. Here we review how ephrin reverse signals are transduced into neurons to control maturation of axonal pre-synaptic and dendritic post-synaptic structures.

EphrinB1 interacts with the transcriptional co-repressor Groucho/xTLE4

Ephrin signaling is involved in various morphogenetic events, such as axon guidance, hindbrain segmentation, and angiogenesis. We conducted a yeast two-hybrid screen using the intracellular domain (ICD) of EphrinB1 to gain biochemical insightinto the function of the EphrinB1 ICD. We identified the transcriptional co-repressor xTLE1/Groucho as an EphrinB1 interacting protein. Whole-mount in situ hybridization of Xenopus embryos confirmed the co-localization of EphrinB1 and a Xenopus counterpart to TLE1, xTLE4, during various stages of development. The EphrinB1/xTLE4 interaction was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation experiments. Further characterization of the interaction revealed that the carboxy-terminal PDZ binding motif of EphrinB1 and the SP domain of xTLE4 are required for binding. Additionally, phosphorylation of EphrinB1 by a constitutively activated fibroblast growth factor receptor resulted in loss of the interaction, suggesting that the interaction is modulated by tyrosine phosphorylation of the EphrinB1 ICD.

Spatial organization of transmembrane receptor signalling

The spatial organization of transmembrane receptors is a critical step in signal transduction and receptor trafficking in cells. Transmembrane receptors engage in lateral homotypic and heterotypic cis-interactions as well as intercellular trans-interactions that result in the formation of signalling foci for the initiation of different signalling networks. Several aspects of ligand-induced receptor clustering and association with signalling proteins are also influenced by the lipid composition of membranes. Thus, lipid microdomains have a function in tuning the activity of many transmembrane receptors by positively or negatively affecting receptor clustering and signal transduction. We review the current knowledge about the functions of clustering of transmembrane receptors and lipid-protein interactions important for the spatial organization of signalling at the membrane.

The impact of CFNS-causing EFNB1 mutations on ephrin-B1 function

Background

Mutations of EFNB1 cause the X-linked malformation syndrome craniofrontonasal syndrome (CFNS). CFNS is characterized by an unusual phenotypic pattern of inheritance, because it affects heterozygous females more severely than hemizygous males. This sex-dependent inheritance has been explained by random X-inactivation in heterozygous females and the consequences of cellular interference of wild type and mutant EFNB1-expressing cell populations. EFNB1 encodes the transmembrane protein ephrin-B1, that forms bi-directional signalling complexes with Eph receptor tyrosine kinases expressed on complementary cells. Here, we studied the effects of patient-derived EFNB1 mutations predicted to give rise to truncated ephrin-B1 protein or to disturb Eph/ephrin-B1 reverse ephrin-B1 signalling. Five mutations are investigated in this work: nonsense mutation c.196C > T/p.R66X, frameshift mutation c.614_615delCT, splice-site mutation c.406 + 2T > C and two missense mutations p.P54L and p.T111I. Both missense mutations are located in the extracellular ephrin domain involved in Eph-ephrin-B1 recognition and higher order complex formation.

Methods

Nonsense mutation c.196C > T/p.R66X, frameshift mutation c.614_615delCT and splice-site mutation c.406+2T > C were detected in the primary patient fibroblasts by direct sequencing of the DNA and were further analysed by RT-PCR and Western blot analyses.

The impact of missense mutations p.P54L and p.T111I on cell behaviour and reverse ephrin-B1 cell signalling was analysed in a cell culture model using NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. These cells were transfected with the constructs generated by in vitro site-directed mutagenesis. Investigation of missense mutations was performed using the Western blot analysis and time-lapse microscopy.

Results and Discussion

Nonsense mutation c.196C > T/p.R66X and frameshift mutation c.614_615delCT escape nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD), splice-site mutation c.406+2T > C results in either retention of intron 2 or activation of a cryptic splice site in exon 2. However, c.614_615delCT and c.406+2T > C mutations were found to be not compatible with production of a soluble ephrin-B1 protein. Protein expression of the p.R66X mutation was predicted unlikely but has not been investigated.

Ectopic expression of p.P54L ephrin-B1 resists Eph-receptor mediated cell cluster formation in tissue culture and intracellular ephrin-B1 Tyr324 and Tyr329 phosphorylation. Cells expressing p.T111I protein show similar responses as wild type expressing cells, however, phosphorylation of Tyr324 and Tyr329 is reduced.

Conclusions

Pathogenic mechanisms in CFNS manifestation include impaired ephrin-B1 signalling combined with cellular interference.

Ephrin expression and function in cancer

Ephrins are cell membrane-associated signaling proteins bound by transmembrane Eph receptors on juxtaposed cells. Eph-ephrin interactions result in bidirectional signaling within both receptor- and ligand-bearing cells, with diverse consequences for cell morphology and behavior. Such interactions are especially important during early vertebrate development, and growing evidence has revealed equally important roles in adult-tissue homeostasis. As for the Eph receptors, abnormal expression of ephrins is associated with disease, especially cancer. The ephrins have received less attention than the Ephs in the literature, owing, in part, to their later discovery and that they are fewer in number. Here, we attempt to redress this imbalance and provide an 'ephrin-centric' discussion of the expression and function of ephrins in cancer.

Extracellular interactome of the FGF receptor-ligand system: complexities and the relative simplicity of the worm

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors (FGFRs) regulate a multitude of biological functions in embryonic development and in adult. A major question is how does one family of growth factors and their receptors control such a variety of functions? Classically, specificity was thought to be imparted by alternative splicing of the FGFRs, resulting in isoforms that bind specifically to a subset of the FGFs, and by different saccharide sequences in the heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) co-receptor. A growing number of noncanonical co-receptors such as integrins and neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) are now recognized as imparting additional complexity to classic FGFR signaling. This review will discuss the noncanonical FGFR ligands and speculate on the possibility that they provide additional and alternative means to determining the functional specificity of FGFR signaling. We will also discuss how invertebrate models such as C. elegans may advance our understanding of noncanonical FGFR signaling.

Ephrin-B1 regulates axon guidance by reverse signaling through a PDZ-dependent mechanism

Mutations in the ephrin-B1 gene result in craniofrontonasal syndrome (CFNS) in humans, a congenital disorder that includes a wide range of craniofacial, skeletal, and neurological malformations. In addition to the ability of ephrin-B1 to forward signal through its cognate EphB tyrosine kinase receptors, ephrin-B1 can also act as a receptor and transduce a reverse signal by either PDZ-dependent or phosphorylation-dependent mechanisms. To investigate how ephrin-B1 acts to influence development and congenital disease, we generated mice harboring a series of targeted point mutations in the ephrin-B1 gene that independently ablate specific reverse signaling pathways, while maintaining forward signaling capacity. We demonstrate that both PDZ and phosphorylation-dependent reverse signaling by ephrin-B1 are dispensable for craniofacial and skeletal development, whereas PDZ-dependent reverse signaling by ephrin-B1 is critical for the formation of a major commissural axon tract, the corpus callosum. Ephrin-B1 is strongly expressed within axons of the corpus callosum, and reverse signaling acts autonomously in cortical axons to mediate an avoidance response to its signaling partner EphB2. These results demonstrate the importance of PDZ-dependent reverse signaling for a subset of Ephrin-B1 developmental roles in vivo.

EphrinB reverse signaling contributes to endothelial and mural cell assembly into vascular structures

EphrinB transmembrane ligands and their cognate EphB receptor tyrosine kinases regulate vascular development through bidirectional cell-to-cell signaling, but little is known about the role of EphrinB during postnatal vascular remodeling. We report that EphrinB is a critical mediator of postnatal pericyte-to-endothelial cell assembly into vascular structures. This function is dependent upon extracellular matrix-supported cell-to-cell contact, engagement of EphrinB by EphB receptors expressed on another cell, and Src-dependent phosphorylation of the intracytoplasmic domain of EphrinB. Phosphorylated EphrinB marks angiogenic blood vessels in the developing and hypoxic retina, the wounded skin, and tumor tissue, and is detected at contact points between endothelial cells and pericytes. Furthermore, inhibition ofEphrinB activity prevents proper assembly of pericytes and endothelial cells into vascular structures. These results reveal a role for EphrinB signaling in orchestrating pericyte/endothelial cell assembly, and suggest that therapeutic targeting of EphrinB may prove useful for disrupting angiogenesis when it contributes to disease.

Fibroblast growth factor receptor-induced phosphorylation of ephrinB1 modulates its interaction with Dishevelled

The Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases and their membrane-bound ligands, the ephrins, have been implicated in regulating cell adhesion and migration during development by mediating cell-to-cell signaling events. The transmembrane ephrinB1 protein is a bidirectional signaling molecule that signals through its cytoplasmic domain to promote cellular movements into the eye field, whereas activation of the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) represses these movements and retinal fate. In Xenopus embryos, ephrinB1 plays a role in retinal progenitor cell movement into the eye field through an interaction with the scaffold protein Dishevelled (Dsh). However, the mechanism by which the FGFR may regulate this cell movement is unknown. Here, we present evidence that FGFR-induced repression of retinal fate is dependent upon phosphorylation within the intracellular domain of ephrinB1. We demonstrate that phosphorylation of tyrosines 324 and 325 disrupts the ephrinB1/Dsh interaction, thus modulating retinal progenitor movement that is dependent on the planar cell polarity pathway. These results provide mechanistic insight into how fibroblast growth factor signaling modulates ephrinB1 control of retinal progenitor movement within the eye field.

Regulation of EphB2 activation and cell repulsion by feedback control of the MAPK pathway

In this study, we investigated whether the ability of Eph receptor signaling to mediate cell repulsion is antagonized by fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) activation that can promote cell invasion. We find that activation of FGFR1 in EphB2-expressing cells prevents segregation, repulsion, and collapse responses to ephrinB1 ligand. FGFR1 activation leads to increased phosphorylation of unstimulated EphB2, which we show is caused by down-regulation of the leukocyte common antigen–related tyrosine phosphatase receptor that dephosphorylates EphB2. In addition, FGFR1 signaling inhibits further phosphorylation of EphB2 upon stimulation with ephrinB1, and we show that this involves a requirement for the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. In the absence of activated FGFR1, EphB2 activates the MAPK pathway, which in turn promotes EphB2 activation in a positive feedback loop. However, after FGFR1 activation, the induction of Sprouty genes inhibits the MAPK pathway downstream of EphB2 and decreases cell repulsion and segregation. These findings reveal a novel feedback loop that promotes EphB2 activation and cell repulsion that is blocked by transcriptional targets of FGFR1.

Modulation of several waves of gene expression during FGF-1 induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition of carcinoma cells

During epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), epithelial cells are converted into isolated motile and invasive mesenchymal cells. In model systems, EMT is induced most often by the activation of tyrosine kinase receptors through signaling pathways involving translational and post-translational regulation. In this study, we have used the NBT-II bladder carcinoma cell system to investigate in vitro Fibroblast Growth Factor-1 (FGF-1)-induced EMT. Transcriptome analyses were performed on NBT-II cells stimulated for 2, 6, 24, and 48 h with FGF-1. As some phenotypic changes occurred around 6 h post-stimulation, a supervised analysis was designed to identify transcript variations across defined time-periods. Our results clearly indicate that immediately after FGF-1 stimulation a set of genes assigned to transcriptional regulation (e.g., jun-B and v-ets) and to EMT induction (e.g., Notch 1) is transiently up-regulated. A set of genes involved in proteolytic systems (e.g., MMP-13 and uPAR) is immediately up-regulated but subsequently maintained throughout FGF-1 stimulation. Then follows a second wave of gene expression that includes a strong but transient up-regulation of ephrin B1 and arginase I. Finally, a third group of genes is stably modulated over 48 h which consists primarily of down-regulated genes specifically associated with the EMT-based loss of the epithelial phenotype and maintenance of the mesenchymal and invasive phenotype of carcinoma cells. Using genome-wide oligoarray technology, we have identified novel expressions of immediate, immediate-early and later EMT biomarkers that are specifically activated downstream of the FGF/FGFR pathway and which might be significant prognostic factors for tumor progression of carcinoma.

EphrinB1 controls cell-cell junctions through the Par polarity complex

A body of evidence is emerging that shows a requirement for ephrin ligands in the proper migration of cells, and the formation of cell and tissue boundaries. These processes are dependent on the cell-cell adhesion system, which plays a crucial role in normal morphogenetic processes during development, as well as in invasion and metastasis. Although ephrinB ligands are bi-directional signalling molecules, the precise mechanism by which ephrinB1 signals through its intracellular domain to regulate cell-cell adhesion in epithelial cells remains unclear. Here, we present evidence that ephrinB1 associates with the Par polarity complex protein Par-6 (a scaffold protein required for establishing tight junctions) and can compete with the small GTPase Cdc42 for association with Par-6. This competition causes inactivation of the Par complex, resulting in the loss of tight junctions. Moreover, the interaction between ephrinB1 and Par-6 is disrupted by tyrosine phosphorylation of the intracellular domain of ephrinB1. Thus, we have identified a mechanism by which ephrinB1 signalling regulates cell-cell junctions in epithelial cells, and this may influence how we devise therapeutic interventions regarding these molecules in metastatic disease.

Eph/ephrin signaling: networks

Bidirectional signaling has emerged as an important signature by which Ephs and ephrins control biological functions. Eph/ephrin signaling participates in a wide spectrum of developmental processes, and cross-regulation with other communication pathways lies at the heart of the complexity underlying their function in vivo. Here, we review in vitro and in vivo data describing molecular, functional, and genetic interactions between Eph/ephrin and other cell surface signaling pathways. The complexity of Eph/ephrin function is discussed in terms of the pathways that regulate Eph/ephrin signaling and also the pathways that are regulated by Eph/ephrin signaling.

ephrinB1 signals from the cell surface to the nucleus by recruitment of STAT3

The Eph (erythropoietin-producing hepatoma) family of receptor tyrosine kinases and their membrane-bound ligands, the ephrins, have been implicated in regulating cell adhesion and migration during development by mediating cell-to-cell signaling events. The transmembrane ephrinB (Eph receptor interactor B) protein is a bidirectional signaling molecule that sends a forward signal through the activation of its cognate receptor tyrosine kinase, residing on another cell. A reverse signal can be transduced into the ephrinB-expressing cell via tyrosine phosphorylation of its conserved C-terminal cytoplasmic domain. Although some insight has been gained regarding how ephrinB may send signals affecting cytoskeletal components, little is known about how ephrinB1 reverse signaling affects transcriptional processes. Here we report that signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) can interact with ephrinB1 in a phosphorylation-dependent manner that leads to enhanced activation of STAT3 transcriptional activity. This activity depends on the tyrosine kinase Jak2, and two tyrosines within the intracellular domain of ephrinB1 are critical for the association with STAT3 and its activation. The recruitment of STAT3 to ephrinB1, and its resulting Jak2-dependent activation and transcription of reporter targets, reveals a signaling pathway from ephrinB1 to the nucleus.

Ephrin-B1 localizes at the slit diaphragm of the glomerular podocyte

Ephs and ephrins are a family of membrane-bound proteins that function as receptor-ligand pairs. Members of the Eph-ephrin-B family have recently been reported to regulate the paracellular permeability of epithelial cells. In this study, we analyzed the expression and the function of ephrin-B1 in glomeruli. Using immunofluorescence (IF), we found that ephrin-B1 was expressed along the glomerular capillary loop. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that ephrin-B1 expression was restricted at the slit diaphragm. Dual labeled IF showed ephrin-B1 colocalized with the slit diaphragm proteins nephrin and CD2-associated protein. Ephrin-B1 colocalized with nephrin at the late capillary loop stage of kidney development. Additionally, injection of rats with a nephritogenic anti-nephrin antibody (ANA) reduced ephrin-B1 expression. When podocytes were cultured in vitro, they extruded processes that co-stained for ephrin-B1 and for CD2-associated protein. When these podocytes were treated in culture with small interfering RNA for ephrin-B1, CD2-associated protein was reduced in the processes, with a remaining faint perinuclear staining. We suggest that ephrin-B1 has a role in maintaining barrier function at the slit diaphragm.

Interaction between ephrins/Eph receptors and excitatory amino acid receptors: possible relevance in the regulation of synaptic plasticity and in the pathophysiology of neuronal degeneration

There is increasing evidence that Eph receptors and their transmembrane ligands, named ephrins, interact with glutamate receptors in both developing and adult neurons. EphB receptors interact with proteins that regulate the membrane trafficking of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate (AMPA) receptor subunits, and both ephrins and EphB receptors have been found to co-localize with N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and to positively modulate NMDA receptor function. Moreover, pharmacologic activation of ephrin-Bs amplifies group-I metabotropic glutamate receptor signaling through mechanisms that involve NMDA receptors. The interaction with ionotropic or metabotropic glutamate receptors provides a substrate for the emerging role of ephrins and Eph receptors in the regulation of activity-dependent forms of synaptic plasticity, such as long-term potentiation and long-term depression, which are established electrophysiologic models of associative learning. In addition, these interactions explain the involvement of ephrins/Eph receptors in the regulation of pain threshold and epileptogenesis, as well as their potential implication in processes of neuronal degeneration. This may stimulate the search for new drugs that might modulate excitatory synaptic transmission by interacting with the ephrin/Eph receptor system.

Oncogenic Met receptor induces ectopic structures in Xenopus embryos

When aberrantly expressed or activated, the Met receptor tyrosine kinase is involved in tumor invasiveness and metastasis. In this study, we have used the Xenopus embryonic system to define the role of various Met proximal-binding partners and downstream signaling pathways in regulating an induced morphogenetic event. We show that expression of an oncogenic derivative of the Met receptor (Tpr-Met) induces ectopic morphogenetic structures during Xenopus embryogenesis. Using variant forms of Tpr-Met that are engineered to recruit a specific signaling molecule of choice, we demonstrate that the sole recruitment of either the Grb2 or the Shc adaptor protein is sufficient to induce ectopic structures and anterior reduction, while the recruitment of PI-3Kinase (PI-3K) is necessary but not sufficient for this effect. In contrast, the recruitment of PLCgamma can initiate the induction, but fails to maintain or elongate supernumerary structures. Finally, evidence indicates that the Ras/Raf/MAPK pathway is necessary, but not sufficient to induce these structures. This study also emphasizes the importance of examining signaling molecules in the regulatory context that is provided by receptor/effector interactions when assessing a role in cell growth and differentiation.

Growth of the normal skull vault and its alteration in craniosynostosis: insights from human genetics and experimental studies

The mammalian skull vault is constructed principally from five bones: the paired frontals and parietals, and the unpaired interparietal. These bones abut at sutures, where most growth of the skull vault takes place. Sutural growth involves maintenance of a population of proliferating osteoprogenitor cells which differentiate into bone matrix-secreting osteoblasts. Sustained function of the sutures as growth centres is essential for continuous expansion of the skull vault to accommodate the growing brain. Craniosynostosis, the premature fusion of the cranial sutures, occurs in 1 in 2500 children and often presents challenging clinical problems. Until a dozen years ago, little was known about the causes of craniosynostosis but the discovery of mutations in the MSX2, FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3, TWIST1 and EFNB1 genes in both syndromic and non-syndromic cases has led to considerable insights into the aetiology, classification and developmental pathology of these disorders. Investigations of the biological roles of these genes in cranial development and growth have been carried out in normal and mutant mice, elucidating their individual and interdependent roles in normal sutures and in sutures undergoing synostosis. Mouse studies have also revealed a significant correspondence between the neural crest-mesoderm boundary in the early embryonic head and the position of cranial sutures, suggesting roles for tissue interaction in suture formation, including initiation of the signalling system that characterizes the functionally active suture.

Secreted inducers in vertebrate eye development: more functions for old morphogens

Cell signaling molecules secreted from strategically localized positions coordinate cell behavior to enable progressive specification of embryonic tissues. These molecules converge on a few signaling pathways that are reiteratively used in different tissues at different times for generating cell type-specific patterns of gene expression. Although our current knowledge of the system is fragmentary, eye development seems to follow this general strategy. In line with this idea, recent studies have added new information on how Fgf and Wnt signaling participates in the formation of the eye field. In addition, later on in development, Fgf controls the onset of retinal neurogenesis and Shh and GDF11 control its feedback regulation.

Dishevelled mediates ephrinB1 signalling in the eye field through the planar cell polarity pathway

An important step in retinal development is the positioning of progenitors within the eye field where they receive the local environmental signals that will direct their ultimate fate. Recent evidence indicates that ephrinB1 functions in retinal progenitor movement, but the signalling pathway is unclear. We present evidence that ephrinB1 signals through its intracellular domain to control retinal progenitor movement into the eye field by interacting with Xenopus Dishevelled (Xdsh), and by using the planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway. Blocking Xdsh translation prevents retinal progeny from entering the eye field, similarly to the morpholino-mediated loss of ephrinB1 (ref. 2). Overexpression of Xdsh can rescue the phenotype induced by loss of ephrinB1, and this rescue (as well as a physical association between Xdsh and ephrinB1) is completely dependent on the DEP (Dishevelled, Egl-10, Pleckstrin) domain of Xdsh. Similar gain- and loss-of-function experiments suggest that Xdsh associates with ephrinB1 and mediates ephrinB1 signalling through downstream members of the PCP pathway during eye field formation.

Axonal regeneration and lack of astrocytic gliosis in EphA4-deficient mice

Spinal cord injury usually results in permanent paralysis because of lack of regrowth of damaged neurons. Here we demonstrate that adult mice lacking EphA4 (-/-), a molecule essential for correct guidance of spinal cord axons during development, exhibit axonal regeneration and functional recovery after spinal cord hemisection. Anterograde and retrograde tracing showed that axons from multiple pathways, including corticospinal and rubrospinal tracts, crossed the lesion site. EphA4-/- mice recovered stride length, the ability to walk on and climb a grid, and the ability to grasp with the affected hindpaw within 1-3 months of injury. EphA4 expression was upregulated on astrocytes at the lesion site in wild-type mice, whereas astrocytic gliosis and the glial scar were greatly reduced in lesioned EphA4-/- spinal cords. EphA4-/- astrocytes failed to respond to the inflammatory cytokines, interferon-gamma or leukemia inhibitory factor, in vitro. Neurons grown on wild-type astrocytes extended shorter neurites than on EphA4-/- astrocytes, but longer neurites when the astrocyte EphA4 was blocked by monomeric EphrinA5-Fc. Thus, EphA4 regulates two important features of spinal cord injury, axonal inhibition, and astrocytic gliosis.

Functional ephrin-B2 expression for promotive interaction between arterial and venous vessels in postnatal neovascularization

BACKGROUND

Ephrin-B2, one of the transmembrane ligands, is a genetic marker of arterial endothelial cells (ECs) at embryonic stages and is essential for cardiovascular development, but its roles in ischemic cardiovascular disease are not well understood. In this study, we focused on the function of ephrin-B2 in postnatal neovascularization.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We found that ephrin-B2 is exclusively expressed and significantly upregulated in the arterial vasculature after the initial angiogenic responses in tissue ischemia. Upregulation of ephrin-B2 is also observed in EC cordlike formation in vitro. Interestingly, ephrin-B2 expression on ECs was enhanced by promotive angiogenic growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, and hepatocyte growth factor, whereas it was attenuated by angiopoietin-1, a factor for blood vessel maturation. Moreover, an ephrin-B2-rich environment was shown to induce neovascularization mainly through venous angiogenesis in an in vivo cornea micropocket assay.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates that the ephrin-B2 ligand is likely to have functional expression on angiogenic arterial ECs and induce a subsequent promotive effect on venous vessels during postnatal neovascularization.

Functions of ephrin/Eph interactions in the development of the nervous system: emphasis on the hippocampal system

Ephrins and their Eph receptors are membrane-anchored proteins that have key roles in the development of the Central Nervous System. The main characteristics of ephrin/Eph interactions are that their effect is mediated by cell-to-cell contacts and that they can propagate bidirectional signals downstream of the ligand-receptor complex. These characteristics make ephrins and Eph receptors critical cues in the regulation of migrating cells or axons, and in the establishment of tissue patterns and topographic maps in distinct regions of the developing brain. In addition, ephrins and Eph receptors regulate synapse formation and plasticity. These roles would be promoted by complementary gradual expression of receptors and ligands in the neurons involved. Although, historically, ephrins and Eph receptors have been considered as repulsion signals through barriers or gradients, new evidence indicates that they may be both inhibitory and permissive/active cues depending on expression levels. The expression of distinct ligands and receptors in the developing and mature hippocampus suggests that these proteins are involved in distinct processes during the development and maturation of the hippocampal region. In fact, recent studies have shown that ephrin/Eph signaling participates in the formation of the layer-specific patterns of hippocampal afferents, in synaptogenesis and in plasticity. Therefore, ephrin/Eph interactions should be considered a crucial system in the development and maturation of the brain regions, including the hippocampus.