Network Interaction of erbB, neu-erb2, erbB3, erbB4, in the Biological Response to NDF/heregulins

摘要

The gene encoding the neu/erB-2/HER-2 receptor tyrosine kinase is one of a small number of genes known to be altered in human breast and ovarian carcinoma. It is amplified and/or over expressed in approximately one-fourth of these cancers. With its probable role in etiology, and expression at the cell surface, neu has great potential as a prognostic indicator and therapeutic target. Efforts to exploit this receptor in the clinical arena have been impeded by the failure to consider regulation of neu by hormones and co-receptors. this has been complicated by the fact that at least seven different peptide hormones, epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-;alpha, amphiregulin, betacellulin, heparin-binding EGF-like growth, epiregulin, and the diverse neuregulins are all able to activate neu.