Concept

Genes, erbB-2

The erbB-2 gene is a proto-oncogene that codes for the erbB-2 receptor (ERB-B2 RECEPTOR TYROSINE KINASES), a protein with structural features similar to the epidermal growth factor receptor. Its name originates from the viral oncogene homolog (v-erbB) which is a truncated form of the chicken erbB gene found in the avian erythroblastosis virus. Overexpression and amplification of the gene is associated with a significant number of adenocarcinomas. The human c-erbB-2 gene is located at 17q21.2.