Overview:

EEGFR is the receptor for members of the EGF family and is a transmembrane glycoprotein that has tyrosine kinase activity. Binding of epidermal growth factor to EGFR induces receptor dimerization and tyrosine autophosphorylation and leads to cell proliferation, differentiation, motility, and cell survival (1). Activation of EGFR triggers mitogenic signaling in gastrointestinal mucosa, and its expression is upregulated in colon cancers and most neoplasms (2). Activation of EGFR triggers activation of the ERK-signaling pathway in normal gastric epithelial and colon cancer cell lines. Inactivation of EGFR with selective inhibitors significantly reduces ERK2 activation, c-fos mRNA expression and cell proliferation.

References:

1. Wang K, et al: Epidermal growth factor receptor-deficient mice have delayed primary endochondral ossification because of defective osteoclast recruitment. J. Biol. Chem. 279: 53848-53856, 2004.

2. Kobayashi S, et al: EGFR mutation and resistance of non-small-cell lung cancer to gefitinib. New Eng. J. Med. 352: 786-792, 2005.