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TAM receptor tyrosine kinases: expression, disease and oncogenesis in the central nervous system

Angela M Pierce1, Amy K Keating1

  • 1University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, 12800 E. 19th Avenue, P18-4105, MS 8302 Aurora, CO 80045, USA.

Brain Research
|November 5, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) regulate cell processes. Dysregulated RTKs, like the TAM family in the central nervous system (CNS), are linked to glioblastoma multiforme.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Signaling
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are crucial cell surface proteins regulating growth, proliferation, differentiation, and migration.
  • Dysregulation or overexpression of RTKs is implicated in oncogenesis and developmental disorders.
  • The TAM family of RTKs (Tyro3, Axl, MerTK) is notably expressed in the central nervous system (CNS).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of TAM family RTKs in the central nervous system.
  • To explore the implications of aberrant TAM receptor expression in CNS diseases.
  • To understand the contribution of TAM RTKs to glioblastoma multiforme pathogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of RTK expression patterns in CNS tissues.
  • Investigating signaling cascades downstream of TAM receptor activation.
  • Utilizing cell culture and animal models to study TAM RTK function in glioblastoma.

Main Results:

  • TAM family RTKs are prominently expressed during CNS development and function.
  • Aberrant expression and activation of TAM receptors are observed in various CNS disorders.
  • TAM RTK dysregulation is linked to glioblastoma multiforme, a challenging brain cancer.

Conclusions:

  • TAM family RTKs play a significant role in CNS biology.
  • Aberrant TAM signaling contributes to the development and progression of CNS diseases, particularly glioblastoma.
  • Targeting TAM RTKs may offer potential therapeutic strategies for glioblastoma.
Keywords:
Alzheimer's diseaseCell signalingDevelopmental neurologyGlioblastomaMultiple sclerosis

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