EPS8

EPS8

The structure of EPS8 protein.

EPS8 (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Pathway Substrate 8) is a protein that plays a crucial role in various cellular processes, including cell growth, migration, and signaling. It is encoded by the EPS8 gene, which is located on chromosome 12 in humans. EPS8 is primarily known for its involvement in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway, but it also interacts with other signaling molecules and proteins.

Structure

The EPS8 protein consists of several functional domains that contribute to its diverse functions. It contains an N-terminal phosphotyrosine-binding (PTB) domain, which allows it to interact with phosphorylated proteins. This domain is followed by a Src homology 3 (SH3) domain, which mediates protein-protein interactions. The C-terminal region of EPS8 contains a conserved region known as the EPS8 homology (EH) domain, which is involved in protein-protein interactions and membrane binding.

Function

EPS8 is involved in the regulation of cell growth and migration through its interactions with various signaling molecules. It acts as an adaptor protein, linking activated EGFR to downstream signaling pathways. EPS8 binds to the activated EGFR through its PTB domain and recruits other proteins, such as SOS1 and Grb2, to form a signaling complex. This complex activates the Ras-MAPK pathway, leading to cell proliferation and survival.

In addition to its role in EGFR signaling, EPS8 also interacts with other proteins and contributes to various cellular processes. It has been shown to regulate actin cytoskeleton dynamics by binding to actin filaments and promoting actin polymerization. EPS8 also interacts with other actin-binding proteins, such as Abi1 and Sos1, to regulate actin remodeling and cell migration.

Clinical Significance

Abnormal expression or dysregulation of EPS8 has been implicated in several diseases, including cancer. Overexpression of EPS8 has been observed in various types of cancer, such as breast, lung, and colorectal cancer. High levels of EPS8 have been associated with increased tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. Therefore, EPS8 has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

See Also

• Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor
• Signal Transduction
• Actin Cytoskeleton
• Cancer