Mitteretseptortürosiinkinaasid

Mitteretseptortürosiinkinaasid, also known as RTKs, are a family of cell surface receptors that play a crucial role in cellular signaling. Unlike receptor tyrosine kinases, RTKs do not possess an extracellular ligand-binding domain. Instead, they are activated by intracellular signals, often in response to growth factors or other stimuli that promote cell growth, differentiation, and survival. The activation of RTKs leads to autophosphorylation of tyrosine residues within the intracellular domain, which then serves as a docking site for downstream signaling molecules. These molecules initiate a cascade of events that ultimately regulate gene expression and cellular responses. Dysregulation of RTK signaling is implicated in various diseases, including cancer, where aberrant signaling can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation. Research into RTKs is ongoing, with a focus on understanding their complex signaling networks and developing targeted therapies for diseases associated with their malfunction. Their diverse roles in cellular processes make them a significant area of study in molecular biology and medicine.