Getting direction(s): The Eph/ephrin signaling system in cell positioning

• Published in: Developmental biology 2019-03, Vol.447 (1), p.42-57
• Main Authors: Niethamer, Terren K., Bush, Jeffrey O.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Cell Adhesion - physiology; Cell Movement - physiology; Ephrins - genetics; Ephrins - metabolism; Humans; Organogenesis - physiology; Receptors, Eph Family - genetics; Receptors, Eph Family - metabolism; Signal Transduction - physiology
• ISSN: 0012-1606; 1095-564X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.01.012

In vertebrates, the Eph/ephrin family of signaling molecules is a large group of membrane-bound proteins that signal through a myriad of mechanisms and effectors to play diverse roles in almost every tissue and organ system. Though Eph/ephrin signaling has functions in diverse biological processes, one core developmental function is in the regulation of cell position and tissue morphology by regulating cell migration and guidance, cell segregation, and boundary formation. Often, the role of Eph/ephrin signaling is to translate patterning information into physical movement of cells and changes in morphology that define tissue and organ systems. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the regulation of these processes, and our evolving understanding of the in vivo signaling mechanisms utilized in distinct developmental contexts. •Ephs and ephrins are critical for a variety of vertebrate morphogenetic functions.•Recent discoveries cast light on the in vivo relevance of bidirectional signaling.•Eph/ephrin signaling often acts at the interface of patterning and morphogenesis.•Ongoing discoveries clarify the self-organizing properties of Eph/ephrin signaling.