Discoidin domain-containing receptor 2

Discoidin domain-containing receptor 2 (DDR2) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the DDR2 gene. DDR2 belongs to a unique class of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and is one of the two members of the discoidin domain receptor family.

Function

DDR2 is a cell surface receptor involved in cell adhesion and in the metabolism of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. It functions as a sensor of ECM and plays a crucial role in tissue repair and remodeling, cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration. DDR2 is activated by various types of collagens and has been implicated in a number of diseases, including fibrosis, osteoarthritis, and cancer.

Structure

The DDR2 protein consists of a discoidin domain, a transmembrane domain, and a tyrosine kinase domain. The discoidin domain is responsible for collagen binding, while the tyrosine kinase domain is involved in the intracellular signaling pathway.

Clinical significance

DDR2 mutations have been associated with several diseases. For instance, mutations in the DDR2 gene have been linked to spondylo-meta-epiphyseal dysplasia, a rare form of dwarfism. In cancer, DDR2 has been found to be overexpressed in several types of tumors, including lung and breast cancers.

Research

DDR2 is a potential therapeutic target in fibrotic diseases and cancer. Several inhibitors of DDR2 kinase activity have been developed and are currently under investigation in preclinical studies.

See also

• Discoidin domain
• Receptor tyrosine kinase
• Extracellular matrix
• Cell adhesion