Heterogeneity of epidermal growth factor receptor signalling networks in glioblastoma

Nat Rev Cancer. 2015 May;15(5):302-10. doi: 10.1038/nrc3918. Epub 2015 Apr 9.

Abstract

As tumours evolve, the daughter cells of the initiating cell often become molecularly heterogeneous and develop different functional properties and therapeutic vulnerabilities. In glioblastoma (GBM), a lethal form of brain cancer, the heterogeneous expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) poses a substantial challenge for the effective use of EGFR-targeted therapies. Understanding the mechanisms that cause EGFR heterogeneity in GBM should provide better insights into how they, and possibly other amplified receptor tyrosine kinases, affect cellular signalling, metabolism and drug resistance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms / genetics*
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics*
  • Genetic Heterogeneity*
  • Glioblastoma / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Signal Transduction / genetics*

Substances

  • ErbB Receptors