Oncogene Proteins erbB, also known as erbB oncogene family, belong to a group of cell surface receptors called receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). These proteins are encoded by a family of oncogenes called erbB, which typically regulate cell growth, division, and differentiation. There are four members of the erbB family: erbB1 (also known as EGFR or HER1), erbB2 (also known as HER2), erbB3 (also known as HER3), and erbB4 (also known as HER4).
Oncogene Proteins erbB play a critical role in cell signaling pathways responsible for promoting cell proliferation and survival. When these proteins are mutated or overexpressed, they can become oncogenic, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation. For instance, erbB2 is well-known for being amplified in breast and other types of cancer, and its overexpression is associated with poor patient outcomes.
These proteins are composed of three main regions: an extracellular ligand-binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain with tyrosine kinase activity. The activation of Oncogene Proteins erbB occurs when ligands, such as growth factors, bind to the extracellular domain, triggering a series of molecular events that result in the phosphorylation of specific tyrosine residues in the intracellular domain. This phosphorylation initiates a cascade of signaling events that ultimately regulate cell growth, survival, and differentiation.
Due to their crucial roles in cancer development and progression, Oncogene Proteins erbB have gained significant attention as therapeutic targets. Several drugs have been developed to specifically inhibit these proteins, such as monoclonal antibodies like trastuzumab that target erbB2, providing effective treatment
