Research HER
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HER Family Receptors
Structure of a HER family receptor
HER family receptors exist on the surface of cells and contain extracellular, transmembrane, and tyrosine kinase domains. Each of these domains is responsible for a different aspect of HER signaling pathways.2
Cellular effects of HER family receptors
In both normal and cancerous cells, cellular receptors are responsible for translating signals from outside the cell into signals within the cell:
- These signals have numerous effects (such as growth, proliferation, and survival)1
- Receptor activation and cellular signaling are tightly regulated in normal cells1
- When HER signaling pathways are inappropriately activated, growth and spread of cancer cells may result3
Structure of HER family receptors
- HER family receptors are located on the surface of the cell. Each receptor has an extracellular and intracellular domain2
- The extracellular domain may bind ligands2
- The intracellular, tyrosine kinase domain activates downstream signaling pathways3
Components of HER family receptors
The extracellular and intracellular domains of HER family receptors have differing functions. The extracellular portion of the receptor contains a ligand-binding site, while the intracellular portion of the receptor contains the tyrosine kinase domain.2
Members of the HER family of receptors
The HER family consists of 4 structurally related cellular receptors, which interact in many ways3:
- HER1, also known as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or ErbB1
- HER2, also known as ErbB2
- HER3, also known as ErbB3
- HER4
For more information on the individual members of the HER family of receptors, click on the links above.