Erlotinib binds both inactive and active conformations of the EGFR tyrosine kinase domain

Biochem J. 2012 Dec 15;448(3):417-23. doi: 10.1042/BJ20121513.

Abstract

Erlotinib and gefitinib, tyrosine kinase inhibitors used to block EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) signalling in cancer, are thought to bind only the active conformation of the EGFR-TKD (tyrosine kinase domain). Through parallel computational and crystallographic studies, we show in the present study that erlotinib also binds the inactive EGFR-TKD conformation, which may have significant implications for its use in EGFR-mutated cancers.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • ErbB Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • ErbB Receptors / chemistry
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism*
  • Erlotinib Hydrochloride
  • Humans
  • Insecta
  • Protein Conformation / drug effects
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / metabolism*
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary / drug effects
  • Quinazolines / metabolism*
  • Quinazolines / pharmacology

Substances

  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Quinazolines
  • Erlotinib Hydrochloride
  • EGFR protein, human
  • ErbB Receptors