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Neuregulins and Cancer

Authors' Affiliations: ¹ Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca Spain and ² Servicio de Oncología Médica, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, Albacete, Spain

Requests for reprints: Atanasio Pandiella, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Campus Miguel de Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain. Phone: 34-923-294815; E-mail: atanasio{at}usal.es.

Abstract

The neuregulins represent the largest subclass of polypeptide factors of the epidermal growth factor family of ligands. These molecules are synthesized as membrane-bound, biologically active growth factors that act by binding to the HER/ErbB receptor tyrosine kinases. Preclinical data have indicated that increased expression and function of neuregulins may provoke cancer. Furthermore, neuregulin expression has been detected in several neoplasias, and their presence may correlate with response to treatments that target the HER receptors such as trastuzumab. In addition, the neuregulins have also been implicated in resistance to anti-HER therapies. Therefore, targeting of the neuregulins may be helpful in neoplastic diseases in which these polypeptide factors contribute to tumor generation and/or maintenance.