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A Drosophila genomic sequence with homology to human epidermal growth factor receptor
Abstract:
Vertebrate genomes contain an extensive family of genes possessing varying degrees of homology to the v-src oncogene. Most src-related proteins identified to date are intracellular and membrane-associated, although some are transmembrane proteins and function as receptors for peptide growth factors. Three Drosophila gene sequences related to the v-src gene have been identified, each exhibiting a high degree of homology to one or more of the src-family members encoding an intracellular protein. We have isolated a panel of cloned Drosophila sequences exhibiting weak v-src hybridization and were interested to determine whether any members of this group represented homologues of additional known src-family genes, especially those functioning as growth factor receptors. As we report here, four of these clones, representing overlapping portions of the same genomic segment, hybridized preferentially with the v-erb-B oncogene and were further characterized. The deduced amino-acid sequence from a portion of this Drosophila genomic segment is 77% homologous to the kinase domain of human epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, a substantially greater degree of homology than was observed with any other known src-family member. By hybridization with a human EGF receptor complementary DNA clone probe, we demonstrate that the same genomic segment showing homology with the kinase domain also contains sequences related to the extracellular domain of the EGF receptor gene.
Insights
Researchers identified a Drosophila gene segment homologous to the human epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor. This discovery suggests a conserved role for EGF receptor signaling pathways across species.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Vertebrate genomes contain numerous src-related genes, with most src-family proteins being intracellular or membrane-associated.
- Some src-family members function as transmembrane receptors for peptide growth factors.
- Three Drosophila src-related gene sequences homologous to intracellular src-family members have been identified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether weakly v-src-hybridizing Drosophila sequences represent homologues of known src-family genes.
- Specifically, to identify potential homologues of growth factor receptor genes within this group.
- To characterize a novel Drosophila gene segment with potential homology to growth factor receptors.
Main Methods:
- Screening of cloned Drosophila sequences for homology to the v-src oncogene.
- Hybridization analysis using the v-erb-B oncogene and a human epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor complementary DNA clone probe.
- Deduction of amino-acid sequence from the identified Drosophila genomic segment.
Main Results:
- Four cloned Drosophila sequences, representing overlapping genomic segments, showed preferential hybridization with the v-erb-B oncogene.
- The deduced amino-acid sequence of a portion of this segment exhibited 77% homology to the kinase domain of the human EGF receptor.
- The same genomic segment also contained sequences related to the extracellular domain of the human EGF receptor gene.
Conclusions:
- A Drosophila genomic segment homologous to the human epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor gene has been identified.
- This finding suggests a conserved evolutionary origin and potential functional similarity of EGF receptor signaling pathways in Drosophila and vertebrates.
- The identified gene represents a novel member of the src-family in Drosophila, potentially involved in growth factor signaling.
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