SAM domain of EPH-A1 subfamily of tyrosine kinase receptors
SAM (sterile alpha motif) domain of EPH-A1 subfamily of the receptor tyrosine kinases is a C-terminal protein-protein interaction domain. This domain is located in the cytoplasmic region of EPH-A1 receptors and appears to mediate cell-cell initiated signal transduction. Activation of these receptors leads to inhibition of cell spreading and migration in a RhoA-ROCK-dependent manner. EPH-A1 receptors are known to bind ILK (integrin-linked kinase) which is the mediator of interactions between integrin and the actin cytoskeleton. However SAM is not sufficient for this interaction; it rather plays an ancillary role. SAM domains of Eph-A1 receptors do not form homo/hetero dimers/oligomers. EphA1 gene was found expressed widely in differentiated epithelial cells. In a number of different malignant tumors EphA1 genes are downregulated. In breast carcinoma the downregulation is associated with invasive behavior of the cell.
Jiyao W et al.(2023). "The conserved domain database in 2023.",