Abstract
The type 1 family of growth factor receptors includes the EGFR, c-erbB2, c-erbB3, and c-erbB4. All four members of the family are expressed in breast cancer. The EGFR gene and more frequently the c-erbB2 gene are amplified in a proportion of cases. In addition to increased expression as a result of gene amplification, overexpression of perhaps all of the receptors also appears to occur, probably as a result of increased mRNA transcription. Overexpression may have prognostic value and may predict response to current therapies. Finally these GFR proteins represent targets for new types of chemotherapeutic agents.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Antineoplastic Agents / chemical synthesis
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Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
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Breast Neoplasms / genetics
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Breast Neoplasms / metabolism*
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Drug Design
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ErbB Receptors / biosynthesis
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ErbB Receptors / metabolism*
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Female
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Gene Amplification
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Gene Expression
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Humans
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Prognosis
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins / biosynthesis
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins / metabolism
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RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis
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Receptor, ErbB-2
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Receptor, ErbB-3
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Receptor, ErbB-4
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Transcription, Genetic
Substances
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Antineoplastic Agents
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Biomarkers, Tumor
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins
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RNA, Messenger
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ERBB4 protein, human
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ErbB Receptors
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Receptor, ErbB-2
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Receptor, ErbB-3
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Receptor, ErbB-4