The EFNB1 gene provides instructions for making a protein called ephrin B1. This protein spans the membrane that surrounds the cell. The portion outside the cell attaches (binds) to proteins called Eph receptor kinases on the surface of neighboring cells. Together, these proteins form Eph/ephrin complexes, which help cells stick to one another (cell adhesion) and communicate. Communication between the attached cells plays a critical role in the normal shaping (patterning) of many tissues and organs before birth. In the brain, Eph/ephrin complexes also play a part in the development of nerve cells (neurons) and in the ability of the connections between neurons (synapses) to change and adapt over time in response to experience (synaptic plasticity).
Other Names
EFL3; EFNB1 gene; ELK LIGAND; Elk-L; ELKL; EPH-RELATED RECEPTOR TYROSINE KINASE LIGAND 2; EPLG2; LIGAND OF EPH-RELATED KINASE 2
Related Genetics Topics
Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 1947
- OMIM: 300035
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
