### EPHA2 Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** EPHA2  
**Gene Type:** Protein-coding gene  
**Location:** Human chromosome 1 (1p36.2)

The EPHA2 gene encodes a member of the Eph receptor tyrosine kinase family, which plays critical roles in various physiological and developmental processes, particularly in the nervous system and during tissue formation. The EPHA2 protein interacts primarily with ephrin-A ligands, facilitating bidirectional signaling between neighboring cells.

### Associated Genes

While the summaries provide some context regarding the interactions and pathways associated with the EPHA2 gene, here are additional genes that have been implicated in relation to EPHA2:

1. **EFNA1** - Ephrin-A1, a ligand for EPHA2.
2. **EFNA2** - Ephrin-A2, another ligand that interacts with EPHA2, involved in osteoclastogenesis and osteoblastogenesis.
3. **EFNA5** - Ephrin-A5, also interacts with EPHA2, relevant for lens transparency and interactions in the eye.
4. **MAPK1/MAPK3** (ERK1/ERK2) - Signaling pathways influenced by EPHA2 leading to alterations in cell proliferation and differentiation.
5. **DSG1** - Desmoglein-1, interacts with EPHA2 in regulating cell adhesion processes.

### Aging and Age-Related Diseases

The EPHA2 gene has been suggested to play a role in processes linked to aging and age-related diseases:

- **Cataracts**: Mutations in EPHA2 are associated with genetic cataract disorders, emphasizing its role in lens development and maintenance—issues often exacerbated by aging.
- **Cancer**: EPHA2 has been implicated in tumorigenesis; its expression is often dysregulated in various cancers, suggesting a role in age-associated malignancies.
- **Bone Health**: Altered signaling pathways involving EPHA2 can impact bone remodeling, which is critical as bone density typically decreases with age leading to conditions like osteoporosis.

### Drug Interactions

Currently, there are no specific FDA-approved drugs that directly target EPHA2. However, the following classes of drugs and compounds may interact or have potential relevance:

1. **Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors**: Given EPHA2's status as a receptor tyrosine kinase, compounds designed to inhibit this signaling pathway may be explored in research settings, particularly in cancer therapeutics.
2. **Monoclonal Antibodies**: Therapeutics targeting Eph receptors and ephrins are under investigation, focusing mainly on their anti-tumor effects.
3. **Small Molecule Inhibitors**: Compounds that modulate Eph/ephrin activities, potentially influencing processes like angiogenesis.

### Pathways and Biological Processes

EPHA2 is involved in several critical biological processes and signaling pathways:

1. **Ephrin Signaling Pathway**: The primary pathway associated with EPHA2, mediating bidirectional signaling—forward signaling into cells expressing EPHA2 and reverse signaling into cells expressing ephrin ligands.
  
2. **Cell Migration and Adhesion**: Influences processes such as cell adhesion and migration, critical during development and tissue remodeling.

3. **Angiogenesis**: Plays a role in both the formation of new blood vessels and the maintenance of existing ones.

4. **Cellular Differentiation**: Involved in the differentiation of various cell types, including lens fiber cells and epithelial cells in the mammary gland.

5. **Developmental Processes**: Contributes to aspects of embryogenesis, patterning, and the development of specific tissues, such as the nervous system and eye.

In summary, the EPHA2 gene is crucial for various developmental processes, particularly in the nervous system and eye, and has implications in several age-related diseases and potential therapeutic areas.