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Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Light-mediated Reversible Modulation of the Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Pathway during Cell Differentiation and Xenopus Embryonic Development
Published on: June 15, 2017
Src family kinases, key regulators of signal transduction
Sarah J Parsons1, J Thomas Parsons
1Department of Microbiology and Cancer Center, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0734, USA. sap@virginia.edu
Abstract:
The Src family of protein tyrosine kinases (SFKs) plays key roles in regulating signal transduction by a diverse set of cell surface receptors in the context of a variety of cellular environments. SFKs have evolved many ingenious molecular strategies to couple receptors with the cytoplasmic signaling machinery. The contributions to this issue of ONCOGENE describe how this machinery regulates fundamental cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, cell shape, migration and survival, and specialized cell signals. The pleiotropic functions of Src and Src family members underscore the importance of these kinases and explain why many of the members of this family have been identified as cellular oncogenes. In this volume, we have attempted to provide the reader with an overview of the current understanding of the function of Src family kinases in the regulation of selected cellular signaling pathways.
Insights
Src family kinases (SFKs) are crucial for cell signaling, regulating growth, migration, and survival. Dysregulation of these protein tyrosine kinases can lead to oncogenesis, highlighting their importance in cancer.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Src family kinases (SFKs) are critical regulators of signal transduction pathways.
- They mediate signals from various cell surface receptors in diverse cellular contexts.
- SFKs employ sophisticated molecular mechanisms to link receptors to cytoplasmic signaling networks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of the current understanding of SFK functions.
- To highlight the role of SFKs in regulating fundamental cellular processes.
- To explore the connection between SFK activity and oncogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and research findings.
- Analysis of molecular strategies employed by SFKs.
- Compilation of data on SFK-regulated cellular processes.
Main Results:
- SFKs regulate cell growth, differentiation, morphology, migration, and survival.
- SFKs are involved in specialized cellular signaling.
- Many SFK members are identified as cellular oncogenes due to their pleiotropic functions.
Conclusions:
- SFKs are essential for numerous cellular functions.
- Their involvement in fundamental processes underscores their significance.
- Understanding SFK regulation is vital for comprehending cell signaling and cancer development.
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