Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) Receptor Signaling and Cancer

Abstract

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors (also known as ErbB) function in development, proliferation and cell survival. They activate a network of signaling pathways that is tightly regulated by phosphorylation, subcellular localization of receptors, and formation of protein complexes. Deregulation of these signaling pathways leads to diseases such as cancer. ErbB receptor-driven cancers have overexpression and/or mutations in ErbB receptors correlating to resistance to chemotherapy, higher tumor grade and poor prognosis. Targeted therapies against the activation of ErbB receptors have been developed including antibodies that prevent dimerization or ligand binding of ErbB receptors, and inhibitors that prevent phosphorylation of the tyrosine kinase domain in ErbB receptors. Thus, understanding the activation of ErbB receptors and their signaling pathways will give insight into the development of cancer and will hopefully lead to effective therapies for cancer.