reseptortyrosinkinasefamilien

The receptor tyrosine kinase family, often abbreviated as RTK, is a large group of transmembrane proteins that play crucial roles in cellular signaling. These proteins are involved in a wide array of physiological processes, including cell growth, differentiation, metabolism, and survival. Dysregulation of RTK signaling is frequently implicated in the development and progression of various diseases, most notably cancer.

RTKs function by binding to specific extracellular ligands, such as growth factors and hormones. This binding event induces a conformational change in the receptor, leading to its dimerization and activation of its intracellular tyrosine kinase domain. The activated kinase then phosphorylates specific tyrosine residues on itself (autophosphorylation) and other downstream signaling molecules. This phosphorylation cascade initiates a complex network of intracellular signaling pathways, ultimately transmitting the signal from the cell surface to the nucleus, thereby altering cellular behavior.

The RTK family is diverse, with over 50 different members identified in humans, each with unique ligand specificities and downstream signaling partners. Examples of well-known RTKs include the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), the insulin receptor, and the platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR). Their diverse roles highlight their fundamental importance in maintaining cellular homeostasis and orchestrating complex biological responses. Aberrant RTK activity, often due to mutations or overexpression, can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis, making RTKs attractive targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer treatment.