EPHB3

EPHB3

A gene on chromosome 3q21-qter that encodes a member of the ephrin-B receptor subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases, which “promiscuously” bind membrane-bound ephrin-B family ligands residing on adjacent cells, leading to contact-dependent bidirectional signalling into neighbouring cells. EPHB3 has a largely overlapping and redundant function with EPHB2: both play roles in axon guidance during development; in regulating the neurons; and in forming the corpus callosum and anterior commissure, two major interhemispheric connections between the temporal lobs of the cerebral cortex. The redundancy extends to the development and maturation of dendritic spines and formation of excitatory synapses. It is also involved in regulating cell migration and positioning, angiogenesis, and development of the palate and thymic epithelium.