The neu (c-erbB-2) oncogene

Semin Oncol. 1989 Apr;16(2):148-55.

Abstract

The neu gene was first identified in rat tumors that had been induced by the carcinogen ethyl nitrosourea. The human homolog of neu, usually designated c-erbB-2, is located on chromosome 17, q21. It specifies a transmembrane receptor-like phosphoglycoprotein that is closely related to the EGFr (c-erbB-1). The ligand for c-erbB-2 is not known. A significant proportion of adenocarcinomas (especially of the breast, colon, and pancreas) have amplification and/or overexpression of c-erbB-2. The unique qualities associated with the subset of tumors that overexpress c-erbB-2 have not yet been firmly identified.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / genetics
  • Adenocarcinoma / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / biosynthesis
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Chromosome Mapping
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 17
  • Ethylnitrosourea
  • Gene Amplification
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Neuroblastoma / chemically induced
  • Neuroblastoma / genetics
  • Neuroblastoma / therapy
  • Oncogenes*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / immunology
  • Rats
  • Receptor, ErbB-2

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Receptor, ErbB-2
  • Ethylnitrosourea