HER2, Active

HER2 gene encodes a cell-surface glycoprotein tyrosine kinase receptor with extensive homology to the epidermal growth factor receptor. HER2 is an oncogene and overexpression of unaltered HER2 coding sequences in NIH 3T3 cells results in cellular transformation and tumorigenesis (1). HER2 is amplified in about 30% of primary human breast malignancies and overexpression of HER2 is associated with the most aggressive tumors that show uncontrolled proliferation, resistance to apoptosis and increased motility (2).