Kinase receptors

Kinase receptors are localized in the cell membrane and consist of an extracellular domain with ligand binding site, a transmembrane helix and an intracellular tyrosine kinase domain. Upon stimulation due to ligand binding, the receptor conformation changes and dimerisation (binding to another kinase receptor) occurs.

 

This results in autophosphorylation of the receptor. This phosphorylation is then transduced to other enzymes in the phosphorylation/activation cascade, leading to a cellular response.

Tyrosine kinase receptors bind several growth factors (examples in oncology) and insulin and are involved in growth, differentiation and metabolic processes.