ERBB GENES Meaning and
Definition
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The erbB genes, also known as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family of genes, are a group of related genes that encode receptor tyrosine kinases involved in cell growth and differentiation. The erbB genes play a crucial role in various cellular processes, including embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, and wound healing.
The erbB family consists of four distinct genes: erbB1 (EGFR or HER1), erbB2 (HER2/neu), erbB3 (HER3), and erbB4 (HER4). These genes are located on different chromosomes and produce proteins that are structurally similar and share common functions. The erbB receptors have an extracellular domain that binds to ligands such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-α), initiating a signaling cascade within the cell.
When activated by ligand binding, erbB receptors undergo dimerization, where two receptor molecules come together and form a complex. This complex then activates the receptor tyrosine kinase activity, leading to the phosphorylation of tyrosine residues within the receptors. These phosphorylated tyrosine residues serve as docking sites for various downstream signaling proteins, initiating a signaling cascade that regulates gene expression, cell proliferation, survival, migration, and differentiation.
Altered expression or mutation of erbB genes has been associated with several human cancers, including breast, lung, cervical, ovarian, and gastric cancers. Overexpression of erbB2 (HER2/neu) has been particularly linked to more aggressive tumor growth and poorer prognosis in breast cancer patients. Thus, erbB genes and their associated receptors have become important therapeutic targets for the development of cancer treatments, with targeted therapies such as monoclonal antibodies or tyrosine
Common Misspellings for ERBB GENES
- wrbb genes
- srbb genes
- drbb genes
- rrbb genes
- 4rbb genes
- 3rbb genes
- eebb genes
- edbb genes
- efbb genes
- etbb genes
- e5bb genes
- e4bb genes
- ervb genes
- ernb genes
- erhb genes
- ergb genes
- erbv genes
- erbn genes
- erbh genes
- erbg genes
Etymology of ERBB GENES
The term "erbB genes" is derived from the name of a particular gene called "ErbB". The name "ErbB" itself is derived from the name of its discoverer, Dr. Axel Ullrich, who found these genes while studying the genetic basis of cancer. The "ErbB" name pays homage to his mentor, Dr. Gustav V. Erb, and the letter "B" signifies that this gene is a member of the ErbB family of genes. Therefore, the etymology of "erbB genes" can be traced back to the names of the scientists associated with their discovery and the classification of these genes.
Similar spelling words for ERBB GENES
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