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Evolution and functional divergence of the ERBB receptor family

Shanshan Wu1, Jeffrey Haltom2, Wenyi Zhao3

  • 1Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325015, China.

Pharmacogenomics
|May 26, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The ERBB gene family is crucial for cell growth and differentiation. Specific conserved and divergent residues in ERBB genes may drive cancer development and drug resistance, highlighting their potential as precision oncology targets.

Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • The ERBB gene family is vital for cell proliferation and differentiation.
  • Aberrant ERBB gene activation is linked to tumorigenesis, making it a key target in precision oncology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze functional divergence and conservation within the ERBB gene family.
  • To identify key residues associated with ERBB gene function, tumorigenesis, and drug resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized ClustalW, MEGA7, and DIVERGE3 software for analysis.
  • Performed functional divergence and conservation analyses on ERBB gene family members.

Main Results:

  • Identified 145 functional divergence residue sites and 94 totally conserved sites.
  • Found an average of 345 conserved sites per individual ERBB gene member.
  • Noted that some identified residues are implicated in drug binding, tumorigenesis, and drug resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Conserved and functionally divergent residues in ERBB genes likely play significant roles.
  • Aberrant alterations in these residues may contribute to tumorigenesis and confer drug resistance.
Keywords:
ERBB gene familydrug resistancefunctional divergencegene conservationprecision oncology

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