Related Experiment Videos
Structural basis for epidermal growth factor receptor function
J J Hsuan1, G Panayotou, M D Waterfield
1Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, London, U.K.
Abstract:
The receptor for epidermal growth factor (EGF) has been the subject of intense study primarily as a consequence of the pioneering studies of Cohen on growth factors and also because of its homology to the transforming protein encoded by the avian oncogene v-erbB, which is a truncated receptor and its consequent role in cancer. Although similar structural mutation of the EGF receptor has not yet been found in human tumours, aberrant overexpression of both EGF receptors and c-erbB2, a closely related putative receptor, have been found to occur in squamous cell carcinomas and glial tumours, and mammary carcinomas respectively. In addition to EGF, the related polypeptides transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha) and vaccinia virus growth factor are also ligands for the EGF receptor. Expression of TGF alpha occurs during embryonal development and in specific adult tissues; it may also play a role in cellular transformation These important properties, as well as the potential roles of both TGF alpha and EGF in wound repair, have emphasized the need to understand EGF receptor structure, function and regulation. This review discusses the structural properties of the EGF receptor and how these can be related to receptor function and regulation.
Insights
The epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor is crucial in cell growth and cancer. Understanding its structure, function, and regulation is vital due to its roles in development, wound repair, and cellular transformation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- The epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor is extensively studied due to its role in growth factors and its homology to the v-erbB oncogene.
- Aberrant overexpression of EGF receptors and c-erbB2 is observed in various human tumors, including squamous cell carcinomas, glial tumors, and mammary carcinomas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structural properties of the EGF receptor.
- To elucidate the relationship between EGF receptor structure, function, and regulation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on EGF receptor structure and function.
- Analysis of homology between EGF receptor and v-erbB oncogene.
- Examination of ligand binding (EGF, TGF alpha, vaccinia virus growth factor).
Main Results:
- EGF receptor shares homology with the v-erbB oncogene, a truncated receptor implicated in cancer.
- Overexpression of EGF receptors and c-erbB2 is linked to specific cancers.
- Transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha) and vaccinia virus growth factor are additional ligands for the EGF receptor.
Conclusions:
- The structural characteristics of the EGF receptor are intrinsically linked to its diverse functions and regulatory mechanisms.
- Understanding EGF receptor is critical given its roles in embryogenesis, wound repair, and potential involvement in cellular transformation.