ISSN:
0730-2312
Keywords:
neu/p185 protein
;
c-erbB-2
;
epidermal growth factor receptor
;
transformation
;
Life and Medical Sciences
;
Cell & Developmental Biology
Source:
Wiley InterScience Backfile Collection 1832-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Chemistry and Pharmacology
,
Medicine
Notes:
Growth factor receptors such as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the p185c-neu protein serve vital roles in the transduction of differentiation, developmental, or mitogenic signaling within normal cells. Two methods of analysis suggest that the inappropriately high expression of either protein tyrosine kinase promotes malignant transformation. First, data from in vitro experiments indicate that overexpression of either EGFR or p185c-neu (or the human homolog c-erbB-2) transforms cell-lines. Second, analysis of primary tumors and tumor cell-lines derived from many epithelial tissues (breast, stomach, ovary, and pancreas) show growth factor receptor gene amplification and elevated protein levels. The physical and functional interaction of p185c-neu and EGFR leads to the formation of a highly active, heterodimeric tyrosine kinase complex which synergistically activates cellular transformation. Anti-receptor antibodies have shown potential utility for the down modulation of these cell-surface proteins and suppression of the malignant phenotype. Design of organic antibody “mimetics” based on the structure of antireceptor antibodies may provide useful therapies and biological reagents to affect growth factor receptor function.
Additional Material:
4 Ill.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/jcb.240530108
