ErbB4 receptor tyrosine kinase (ERBB4)

ErbB4 receptor tyrosine kinase (ERBB4) is a member of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/ErbB) family of type I receptor tyrosine kinases. It binds to neuregulins (NRG1, NRG2, NRG3, NRG4), as well as EGF family ligands such as betacellulin (BTC), epiregulin (EREG), and heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HBEGF). Ligand binding induces homo-/heterodimerization with other ErbB receptors, leading to autophosphorylation of cytoplasmic tyrosines and activation of intracellular signaling cascades including PI3K-AKT and Ras-MAPK pathways. ERBB4 is essential for normal development of the heart, central nervous system, and mammary gland, and regulates gene transcription, cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and apoptosis. Mutations or aberrant ERBB4 signaling have been implicated in various cancers, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, schizophrenia, and frontotemporal dementia. Alternative splicing produces multiple isoforms with distinct properties. Can signal independently of its intrinsic kinase activity in certain contexts. EGFR is an important paralog.

Other names

HER4erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 4

Tyrosine kinase inhibition; modulation of downstream signaling pathways (PI3K-AKT, Ras-MAPK); regulation of gene expression