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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Studying the Stoichiometry of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Intact Cells using Correlative Microscopy
Published on: September 11, 2015
Conformational analysis of the phosphorylated epidermal growth factor receptor
A Bishayee1, L Beguinot, S Bishayee
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Newark 07103-2714, USA.
Abstract:
Phosphorylation-induced conformational changes have been well documented with different receptor tyrosine kinases. However. the susceptible epitopes and the tyrosine residue(s) involved in particular structural alteration mostly remain to be determined. Using a conformation-specific anti-peptide antibody, we have not only identified one such domain in the C-terminal tail of the EGF receptor but also identified the phosphate acceptor sites that are involved in the conformational change.
Insights
This study identifies specific domains and phosphate-accepting tyrosine residues in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) responsible for phosphorylation-induced conformational changes, advancing our understanding of receptor signaling.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- Conformational changes in receptor tyrosine kinases upon phosphorylation are known.
- Specific epitopes and tyrosine residues driving these alterations remain largely unidentified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To pinpoint the specific domain within the C-terminal tail of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) involved in conformational changes.
- To identify the precise tyrosine residue(s) acting as phosphate acceptors in this process.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a conformation-specific anti-peptide antibody.
- Investigated structural alterations in the EGFR C-terminal tail.
Main Results:
- Successfully identified a specific domain in the EGFR C-terminal tail.
- Pinpointed the tyrosine residue(s) responsible for mediating phosphorylation-induced conformational changes.
Conclusions:
- The study elucidates key structural elements and phosphorylation sites in EGFR.
- Provides a foundation for understanding EGFR signaling and potential therapeutic targeting.
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