ErbB Receptors

ErbB receptors, including EGFR, HER2 and HER3, are critical single-pass transmembrane proteins which are crucial players in cancer progression. For example, approximately 20% of breast cancer cases are associated with HER2 overexpression and low survival in patients afflicted with this form of cancer. HER2 and EGFR are also mutated most frequently in breast and lung cancer cases. Here in the Meiler lab we apply a variety of computational chemistry and biology methods in collaboration with cancer biologists to understand the detailed mechanisms of these forms of breast and lung cancers. We identify the structural basis of most malignant mutants and their activation mechanism which can lead to more effective targetted therapies for these forms of cancers.