NTRK gene fusions as novel targets of cancer therapy across multiple tumour types.

ABSTRACT: The tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) receptor family comprises 3 transmembrane proteins referred to as Trk A, B and C (TrkA, TrkB and TrkC) receptors that are encoded by the NTRK1, NTRK2 and NTRK3 genes, respectively. These receptor tyrosine kinases are expressed in human neuronal tissue and play an essential role in the physiology of development and function of the nervous system through activation by neurotrophins. Gene fusions involving NTRK genes lead to transcription of chimeric Trk proteins with constitutively activated or overexpressed kinase function conferring oncogenic potential. These genetic abnormalities have recently emerged as targets for cancer therapy, because novel compounds have been developed that are selective inhibitors of the constitutively active rearranged protein

SUBMITTER: Amatu A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5070277 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature