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An international research team led by Monash University scientists has uncovered the first example of a bacterium causing disease in humans by targeting a molecule that is incorporated into our bodies through what we eat. Their discovery was published today in the international journal Nature. It shows that a potent bacterial toxin, subtilase cytotoxin, specifically targets human cells that have incorporated a sugar called Neu5Gc on their surface.

The potential role of Eph receptor and ephrin ligand family in human cancer is receiving increasing attention. Compared with other Eph receptors, EphA4 is distinguished by its ability to bind to both type A ephrins and most type B ephrins. EphA4 reportedly forms a hetero receptor complex with FGFR1 and that EphA4/FGFR1 complex potentiates FGFR-mediated downstream signal transduction. However, alterations of EphA4 are not well understood in gastric cancer.