II. Physiology
- Tyrosine Kinase
- Key enzyme in molecular signaling pathway
- Transfers a phosphate from ATP to a Protein's tyrosine Amino Acid
- Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR, HER1)
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)
- Angiogenesis signaling Protein
- Binds to VEGF receptors on Tyrosine Kinases to initiate Angiogenesis
- Target in some Targeted Cancer Therapy (e.g. Avastin)
- Also used in Age-Related Macular Degeneration as a VEGF Inhibitor Intravitreal Injection
- HER2/neu
- EGFR related Tyrosine Kinase important in Breast Cancer
- Overexpression of HER2/neu may predict worse prognosis and cancer recurrence
- Targeted Cancer Therapy examples include Herceptin and Tykerb