Multiple positive and negative regulators of signaling by the EGF-receptor

Signaling via the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-receptor family is subject to regulation and modulation by multiple ligands, effectors and negative regulators, as well as regulation by heterodimerization between family members and crosstalk between heterologous signaling pathways. Besides serving as a paradigm for receptor tyrosine kinases in general, this family is crucial for development and is often mutated or amplified in human tumors.