The Role of EGF Receptor Negative Regulatory Components in Breast Cell Growth

Amplification of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R) is correlated with a poor prognosis for breast cancer patients. In addition, several different areas of research further support the idea that EGF-R expression levels are important in the development of breast cancer. These studies include in vivo, in vitro and transgenic animal studies. The EGF-R is a transmembrane tyrosine kinase. Following binding to one of its ligands, the EGF-R is rapidly phosphorylated on C-terminal tyrosine residues. Phosphorylation allows the receptor to initiate signaling cascade via numerous interactions with other protein molecules.