Receptor Tyrosine Kinases: Family and Subfamilies

This book devotes a chapter to each RTK family and the multiple receptors within each family, thoroughly covering all of the RTKs. Each chapter covers one specific family of receptors and begins with a general introduction to that family and a comprehensive discussion of that receptor’s family in development and human disease. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) play critical roles in embryogenesis, normal physiology and several diseases, and over the last decade have become the number one targets of cancer drugs. Receptor Tyrosine Kinase: Family and Subfamilies systematically covers, for the first time, the shared structural and functional features of the RTK family. Understanding the evolutionary origin of the fifty-eight RTKs, their roles in invertebrates and in humans, as well as downstream signaling pathways, is essential for fundamental research and for attempts to develop pharmacological agents able to enhance or intercept their actions. The assembly of chapters written by experts underscores commonalities and is an ideal companion volume to Receptor Tyrosine Kinases: Structure, Functions and Role in Human Disease, which refers to specific subfamilies of RTKs, along with their unique landmarks.