Identification of a Second egfr Gene in Xiphophorus Uncovers an Expansion of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Family in Fish

摘要: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gives name to a family of receptors formed by four members in mammals (EGFR, ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4). Members this can be activated become potent oncogenes, many human animal tumors express qualitatively or quantitatively altered from group. We have isolated characterized second egfr gene the melanoma model fish Xiphophorus. Both Xiphophorus egfra egfrb duplicates are co-orthologs mammalian gene. Database analysis showed that not only but also erbB3 erbB4 present as some species. They originated ancient duplication events might consistent with hypothesis fish-specific genome duplication. In Xiphophorus, underwent generated melanoma-inducing oncogene Xmrk. study comparison functional characteristics both EGF receptors, including expression profile, ligand-binding abilities, intracellular signal transduction revealed Egfra shares common features Egfrb EGFR shows significant differences its characteristics. mechanism maintenance these remains clarified.