The ins and outs of EGFR asymmetry.

Leahy, Daniel J · Cell · 2010

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

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.