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The oncogene HER2: its signaling and transforming functions and its role in human cancer pathogenesis

M M Moasser1

  • 1Department of Medicine and Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0875, USA. mmoasser@medicine.ucsf.edu

Oncogene
|May 2, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-2 (HER2) has been linked to breast cancer pathogenesis for decades. Research confirms HER2

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-2 (HER2) was implicated in human breast cancer pathogenesis in 2007.
  • This finding established the HER2 oncogene hypothesis for human cancer development.
  • Two decades of research have significantly advanced understanding of HER2 biology and its family members.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence supporting the oncogenic function of HER2.
  • To explore mechanisms mediating HER2's oncogenic functions.
  • To link experimental findings with human cancer pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of experimental evidence and proposed hypotheses.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms of HER2 tumorigenesis.
  • Examination of the link between HER2 gene amplification and cancer.

Main Results:

  • Experimental evidence strongly supports the HER2 oncogene hypothesis.
  • Amplification of the HER2 gene locus is etiologically linked to human cancer.
  • HER2 tumorigenesis involves complex mechanisms, potentially acting through multiple pathways.

Conclusions:

  • HER2 plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of certain human cancers.
  • Multiple, complex mechanisms likely contribute to HER2-induced cell transformation.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the unified mechanistic model of HER2-induced transformation.

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