Characterization, Genomic Organization, Expression, and Function of the mEphA1 Receptor Tyrosine Kinase

The thesis investigates the expression and function of the mEphA1 receptor tyrosine kinase, a murine homologue of hEphA1, through various molecular biology techniques and animal models. Key findings include the confirmation of mEphA1's role as the cognate receptor for ephrin-A1, the novel exon structure of mEphA1, and its epithelial expression in tissues such as the basal epidermis and hair follicles. The generation of hPLAP EphA1 reporter knockout and conditional knockout mice revealed phenotypes like kinky tails and imperforate vaginas in some cases, but otherwise normal health and development. These models are valuable for studying EphA1's role in diseases like skin and colon cancer, severe sepsis, and post-traumatic injury.