The EPHA7 antibody targets the Ephrin type-A receptor 7 (EPHA7), a member of the Eph receptor tyrosine kinase family, which plays critical roles in cell-cell communication, tissue patterning, and developmental processes. Eph receptors are divided into two subclasses (A and B) based on their binding affinities for ephrin ligands. EPHA7 primarily interacts with ephrin-A ligands, which are membrane-anchored proteins, facilitating bidirectional signaling that regulates cell adhesion, migration, and boundary formation. EPHA7 is notably involved in embryonic development, including neural tube formation, axon guidance, and vascular system organization. In adults, it maintains tissue homeostasis and has context-dependent roles in cancer, acting as either a tumor suppressor or promoter depending on the cellular environment.
Dysregulation of EPHA7 is linked to various cancers, such as colorectal, lung, and leukemia, where its expression may correlate with tumor progression or suppression. Additionally, EPHA7 has been implicated in neurological disorders and inflammatory conditions. Antibodies against EPHA7 are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and function in both normal and diseased states. They enable detection via techniques like immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and flow cytometry, aiding in biomarker discovery and therapeutic target validation. Emerging research explores EPHA7-targeted therapies, including antibody-drug conjugates, to modulate Eph-ephrin signaling pathways in malignancies. Understanding EPHA7's dual roles in development and disease highlights its potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic target.