Characterization of the Pro-Survival Role of Kinase-Independent EGFR in Cancer

EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor), a receptor tyrosine kinase is overexpressed or mutated in a variety of tumors of epithelial origin. Although, its kinase activity is well characterized and is being targeted in the clinic, still patients develop resistance and stop responding to TKIs. Therefore, there is a need to understand the kinase-independent functions of EGFR and how it can be clinically targeted. Here, I describe the work that tests the hypothesis that EGFR independent of its tyrosine kinase activity mediates survival of cancer cells under various physiological stresses and thereby promoting resistance against TKIs.