The ins and outs of EGFR asymmetry.
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) regulates cell proliferation in many tissues. A new structure of the Drosophila EGFR presented by Alvarado et al. (2010) reveals an asymmetric dimer with the ligand bound to only one subunit. The structure provides a rationale for the receptor's negative cooperativity and necessitates a reconsideration of models for activation of human EGFR.
Leahy
Daniel J
DJ
Department of Biophysics & Biophysical Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. dleahy@jhmi.edu