receptor protein-tyrosine kinase
re·cep·tor pro·tein-ty·ro·sine ki·nase (re-sepґtər proґtēn tiґro-sēn kiґnās) [EC 2.7.10.1] a group comprising those protein-tyrosine kinases with a transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase activity. They are involved in cellular signaling pathways; binding of extracellular growth factor ligands (e.g., epidermal growth factor, fibroblast growth factors, transforming growth factor-α, platelet-derived growth factor, insulin) leads to dimerization and activation of receptors, autophosphorylation, and then binding and activation of effector proteins that control cellular proliferation and differentiation. Cf. non-specific protein-tyrosine kinase.
Medical dictionary.
2011.