ErbB Receptors: Directing Key Signaling Networks Throughout Life

The epidermal growth factor (EGF)-related peptides bind the ErbB receptors, inducing the formation of different homo- and heterodimers. Receptor dimerization promotes activation of the intrinsic kinase, leading to phosphorylation of specific tyrosines located in the ErbB's cytoplasmic region. These phosphorylated residues serve as docking sites for a variety of signaling molecules whose recruitment stimulates intracellular signaling cascades, which ultimately control diverse genetic programs. Particular ligand-receptor complexes have essential roles in embryonic development as well as in the adult. Finally, ErbB receptors are being pursued as therapeutic targets because aberrant ErbB activity has been observed…