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Role of erb B2 in breast cancer chemosensitivity
Author(s) -
Yu Dihua,
Hung MienChie
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
bioessays
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.175
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1521-1878
pISSN - 0265-9247
DOI - 10.1002/1521-1878(200007)22:7<673::aid-bies10>3.0.co;2-a
Subject(s) - breast cancer , cancer research , biology , cancer , transmembrane protein , gene , function (biology) , bioinformatics , medicine , receptor , genetics
The erb B2 gene, which encodes a transmembrane growth factor receptor, is overexpressed in approximately 30% of breast cancers. Overexpressing this gene makes breast cancers resistant to certain chemotherapeutic agents. In this article, we review what is known about ErbB2‐mediated chemoresistance and the controversies surrounding it. We also examine the antiapoptotic function of erb B2 as one of the molecular mechanisms of ErbB2‐mediated Taxol resistance and describe several emerging strategies for overcoming intrinsic ErbB2‐mediated chemoresistance. Finally, we discuss future avenues for studies of chemosensitivity in ErbB2‐overexpressing breast cancers that may lead to the development of effective biology‐based treatment strategies. BioEssays 22:673–680, 2000. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.