Roles of EphA2 Receptor in Angiogenesis Signaling Pathway of Glioblastoma Multiforme

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common primary brain tumours in adults, accounting for almost 65% of all cases. Among solid tumours, GBM is characterised by strong angiogenesis, including the highest degree of vascular proliferation and endothelial cell hyperplasia. Despite numerous improvements in existing treatment approaches, the prognosis of GBM patients remains poor, with a mean survival of only 14.6 months. Growing evidence has shown significant overexpression of the ephrin type-A receptor 2 (EphA2) receptor in various malignancies, including GBM, as well as a correlation to poor prognoses. It is believed that EphA2 receptors play important roles in mediating GBM tumourigenesis, including invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Despite the clinical and pathological importance of tumour-associated vasculature, the underlying mechanism involving EphA2 is poorly known. Here, we have summarised the current knowledge in the field regarding EphA2 receptors’ roles in the angiogenesis of GBM.