Control of cell behaviour by signalling through Eph receptors and ephrins

Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and ephrins mediate contact-dependent cell in teractions that regulate the repulsion and adhesion mechanisms involved in the guidance and assembly of cells. Recent work has revealed a role of over lapping Eph receptor and ephrin expression in modulating neuronal growth co ne repulsion, and has shown that bidirectional activation restricts intermi ngling and communication between cell populations. In addition, progress ha s been made in understanding how Eph receptors and ephrins control cell adh esion.