EphA3 Maintains Tumorigenicity and Is a Therapeutic Target in Glioblastoma Multiforme

SummarySignificant endeavor has been applied to identify functional therapeutic targets in glioblastoma (GBM) to halt the growth of this aggressive cancer. We show that the receptor tyrosine kinase EphA3 is frequently overexpressed in GBM and, in particular, in the most aggressive mesenchymal subtype. Importantly, EphA3 is highly expressed on the tumor-initiating cell population in glioma and appears critically involved in maintaining tumor cells in a less differentiated state by modulating mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. EphA3 knockdown or depletion of EphA3-positive tumor cells reduced tumorigenic potential to a degree comparable to treatment with a therapeutic radiolabelled EphA3-specific monoclonal antibody. These results identify EphA3 as a functional, targetable receptor in GBM.

► EphA3 is overexpressed on mesenchymal GBM and inhibits terminal differentiation ► EphA3 maintains the tumor-forming cell population in GBM ► EphA3 negatively regulates mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling in GBM ► EphA3 is a targetable tumor antigen for the treatment of GBM