A decade of tyrosine kinases: from gene discovery to therapeutics.
Tyrosine kinases are key regulators of breast cancer cell survival and proliferation. Ten years ago, we conducted a screen for protein kinases expressed in primary human breast tumors and cultured cancer cells. Here, we review the progress from the last ten years in understanding the functions of these kinases with a focus on breast cancer. Three themes emerge: (1). tyrosine kinases regulate proliferation through the MAP Kinase pathway, (2). tyrosine kinases regulate cellular survival through the PI3 Kinase-Akt pathway, and (3). the cell cycle is regulated through a complex series of serine-threonine kinases. Our improved understanding of these signaling cascades has led to novel strategies for therapeutic intervention in breast cancer.
Craven
Rolf J
RJ
Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 21-237 Lineberger, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Camous Box 7295, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. rolf@email.unc.edu
Lightfoot
Harry
H
Cance
William G
WG
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D018773:Genes, erbB-1 / Q000235:genetics; D018734:Genes, erbB-2 / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D020935:MAP Kinase Signaling System / Q000235:genetics; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000502:physiology; D019061:src-Family Kinases / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; D019061:src-Family Kinases