Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Deciphering the Structural Effects of Activating EGFR Somatic Mutations with Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Published on: May 20, 2020
Growth factor pleiotropy is controlled by a receptor Tyr/Ser motif that acts as a binary switch
Mark A Guthridge1, Jason A Powell, Emma F Barry
1Cytokine Receptor Laboratory, Department of Human Immunology, Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science, Hanson Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
Abstract:
Pleiotropism is a hallmark of cytokines and growth factors; yet, the underlying mechanisms are not clearly understood. We have identified a motif in the granulocyte macrophage-colony-stimulating factor receptor composed of a tyrosine and a serine residue that functions as a binary switch for the independent regulation of multiple biological activities. Signalling occurs either through Ser585 at lower cytokine concentrations, leading to cell survival only, or through Tyr577 at higher cytokine concentrations, leading to cell survival as well as proliferation, differentiation or functional activation. The phosphorylation of Ser585 and Tyr577 is mutually exclusive and occurs via a unidirectional mechanism that involves protein kinase A and tyrosine kinases, respectively, and is deregulated in at least some leukemias. We have identified similar Tyr/Ser motifs in other cell surface receptors, suggesting that such signalling switches may play important roles in generating specificity and pleiotropy in other biological systems.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
Amplifying Signals via Enzymatic Cascade
Receptor Tyrosine Kinases
The Ras Gene
Ras is a superfamily...
Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
Small GTPases - Ras and Rho
Three regulatory proteins control their activity:

