A pharmaceutical company is developing
a targeted therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). They observe that
some tumours have overactive signalling through the EGFR, which drives
uncontrolled cell proliferation, even in the absence of its ligand.

Which statement best explains the
mechanism behind this hyperactive EGFR signalling in cancer?

Question

A pharmaceutical company is developing
a targeted therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). They observe that
some tumours have overactive signalling through the EGFR, which drives
uncontrolled cell proliferation, even in the absence of its ligand.

Which statement best explains the
mechanism behind this hyperactive EGFR signalling in cancer?

Accepted Answer

Mutations
in the EGFR kinase domain cause the receptor to signal independently of ligand
binding, promoting uncontrolled proliferation

Answer

EGFR acts as a
transcription factor to directly activate cell survival genes

Answer

Both EGFR alleles are
commonly lost in lung cancer, leading to loss of growth signalling

Answer

Inherited EGFR
mutations directly cause retinoblastoma in affected individuals

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