Tyrosínkinasa

Tyrosínkinasa refers to a class of enzymes that catalyze the transfer of a phosphate group from ATP to tyrosine residues on target proteins. This process, known as tyrosine phosphorylation, is a critical mechanism for signal transduction in cells. Tyrosine kinases play vital roles in numerous cellular processes including cell growth, differentiation, proliferation, and survival.

The activity of tyrosine kinases is tightly regulated. Dysregulation of tyrosine kinase activity, often due to mutations or overexpression, is frequently implicated in the development and progression of various diseases, most notably cancer. Many targeted cancer therapies are designed to inhibit specific tyrosine kinases that are overactive in tumor cells, thereby blocking the signaling pathways that drive tumor growth and survival.

There are two main families of tyrosine kinases: receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and non-receptor tyrosine kinases (NRTKs). RTKs are transmembrane proteins that bind to extracellular ligands, initiating intracellular signaling cascades. NRTKs are located in the cytoplasm or nucleus and are activated by various upstream signals. Examples of well-known tyrosine kinases include epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK). Understanding the intricate roles and regulation of tyrosine kinases is essential for both basic biological research and the development of novel therapeutic strategies.