Receptor tyrosine kinases
Receptor tyrosine kinases (pronunciation: rɪˈsɛptər ˈtaɪrəˌsiːn kɪˈneɪsɪz) are a class of enzymes that are key regulators of normal cellular processes, but which can also play a major role in the development and progression of many types of cancer when they are mutated or expressed at high levels.
Etymology
The term "receptor tyrosine kinases" is derived from their function and structure. "Receptor" refers to their role in receiving signals from outside the cell, "tyrosine" is the specific amino acid that they act upon, and "kinases" is a type of enzyme that transfers phosphate groups from high-energy donor molecules, such as ATP, to specific substrates, a process referred to as phosphorylation.
Function
Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are a type of protein kinase that can respond to the binding of a ligand, such as a growth factor, by phosphorylating certain tyrosine residues within the cell. This can trigger a series of reactions within the cell, leading to responses such as cell growth, differentiation, and proliferation.
Types
There are many types of receptor tyrosine kinases, which are classified into different families based on their structural characteristics. These include the EGFR family, the Insulin receptor family, and the VEGFR family, among others.
Role in Disease
When receptor tyrosine kinases are overexpressed or mutated, they can contribute to the development of diseases such as cancer. For example, mutations in the EGFR family of RTKs have been associated with a number of cancers, including lung cancer and glioblastoma.
See Also
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