EphA2: A promising therapeutic target in breast cancer

J Genet Genomics. 2021 Apr 20;48(4):261-267. doi: 10.1016/j.jgg.2021.02.011. Epub 2021 Mar 29.

Abstract

Ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EphA2), a receptor tyrosine kinase, is overexpressed in human breast cancers often linked to poor patient prognosis. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that EphA2 plays important roles in several critical processes associated with malignant breast progression, such as proliferation, survival, migration, invasion, drug resistance, metastasis, and angiogenesis. As its inhibition through multiple approaches can inhibit the growth of breast cancer and restore drug sensitivity, EphA2 has become a promising therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment. Here, we summarize the expression, functions, mechanisms of action, and regulation of EphA2 in breast cancer. We also list the potential therapeutic strategies targeting EphA2. Furthermore, we discuss the future directions of studying EphA2 in breast cancer.

Keywords: ADC; Breast cancer; EphA2; EphrinA1; Targeted therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Breast Neoplasms / therapy
  • Carcinogenesis / genetics*
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Cell Proliferation / genetics
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy*
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / genetics
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness / pathology
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / genetics
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / pathology
  • Receptor, EphA2 / genetics*

Substances

  • EPHA2 protein, human
  • Receptor, EphA2