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Updated: Oct 12, 2025

Deciphering the Structural Effects of Activating EGFR Somatic Mutations with Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Published on: May 20, 2020
EGFR transactivates RON to drive oncogenic crosstalk
Carolina Franco Nitta1, Ellen W Green1, Elton D Jhamba1
1Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, United States.
Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) crosstalk, specifically between EGFR and RON, is unidirectional. Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) directly phosphorylates Receptor Orf virus protein Non-fibrous (RON), activating its signaling pathway.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Signaling
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) crosstalk drives cancer signaling and therapeutic resistance.
- Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and Receptor Orf virus protein Non-fibrous (RON) RTKs crosstalk mechanisms are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the communication mechanisms between EGFR and RON.
- Determine the directionality and molecular basis of EGFR-RON crosstalk.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution imaging
- Biochemical assays
- Mutational studies
- Single particle tracking
Main Results:
- EGFR-RON crosstalk is unidirectional: EGF stimulation phosphorylates RON, but RON ligand stimulation does not phosphorylate EGFR.
- EGFR and RON associate in common plasma membrane microdomains.
- EGFR directly phosphorylates RON, requiring a signaling-competent EGFR dimer for transactivation.
Conclusions:
- Direct physical interactions between EGFR and RON mediate crosstalk.
- EGF-stimulated EGFR phosphorylates RON, activating RON-directed signaling pathways.
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