Struktura i funkcja receptora czynnika wzrostu naskórka

Abstract

This review presents the contemporary knowledge on the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) structure and function, and participation in neoplastic transformation. The EGFR has been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple human cells and tissues. Altered levels of the receptor have been found in, among others, breast, prostate, and colon carcinomas. Usually, overexperssion of EGFR appears to confer a worse prognosis. Also some tumours types expressed structurally altered EGFR with deletion in extracellular domain. The correlation of EGFR expression with invasive or disseminated tumours and the connection with drug insensitivity provide ready justification for therapeutic intervention aimed at modulating the activity of this receptor.