EFNA5 Human, Active

The EFNA5 gene encodes the Ephrin A5 protein. This gene is located on chromosome 5 in humans and is involved in coding for a protein that is part of the ephrin-A subclass of ligands . Ephrin A5 is a cell surface GPI-bound ligand for Eph receptors, which are receptor tyrosine kinases crucial for migration, repulsion, and adhesion during neuronal, vascular, and epithelial development .

Ephrin A5 binds promiscuously to Eph receptors on adjacent cells, leading to contact-dependent bidirectional signaling into neighboring cells . This signaling is essential for various cellular processes, including axon guidance, cell migration, and tissue boundary formation. Ephrin A5 has been shown to prevent axon bundling in co-cultures of cortical neurons with astrocytes, a model of late-stage nervous system development and differentiation .

Ephrin A5 is mainly expressed in the human adult brain, heart, spleen, and ovary, as well as in the human fetal brain, lung, and kidney . This widespread expression pattern highlights its importance in both the development and function of various tissues.

Human recombinant Ephrin A5 is produced using various expression systems, such as Sf9 Baculovirus cells. The recombinant protein is typically a single, glycosylated polypeptide chain containing 422 amino acids and having a molecular mass of approximately 48.1 kDa . The recombinant form is often used in research to study its function and interactions with Eph receptors.

Recombinant Ephrin A5 is used in various research applications, including studies on neuronal development, cell signaling, and tissue engineering. Its ability to bind and activate Eph receptors makes it a valuable tool for investigating the mechanisms underlying cell-cell communication and tissue patterning.

Recombinant Ephrin A5 is typically stored at 4°C if used within 2-4 weeks or frozen at -20°C for longer periods. It is recommended to add a carrier protein, such as 0.1% HSA or BSA, for long-term storage to prevent degradation .