Human EGFR
Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) is a transmembrane protein that plays a critical role in cell signaling and is frequently implicated in cancer.
Function
Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is a member of the protein kinase superfamily. Binding of ligands such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) to EGFR induces receptor dimerization and tyrosine autophosphorylation, leading to cell proliferation. Mutations and amplifications of the EGFR gene are commonly associated with various cancers, particularly non-small-cell lung cancer, making it a key therapeutic target.
Structure
The human EGFR extracellular domain has been extensively studied through X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. The structure reveals important insights into ligand binding and receptor dimerization mechanisms that are crucial for understanding EGFR signaling and developing targeted therapies.