Encoded by the ALK gene, the ALK receptor tyrosine kinase protein. Receptor tyrosine kinases respond to signals outside a cell. Once activated, it will activate a number of other kinase proteins in the cell. These kinases play a large role in both the cell proliferation and pathways. Thus, when there are mutations in the ALK protein, downstream effects from the protein can result in abnormal proliferation and cell survival. This can thus result in hard to treat cancers [7].
NSCLC ALK mutations are thought to be caused by the fusion of ALK to other genes. This then causes abnormal functions that result in lung cancer [6]. |
Figure 2. ALK pathways
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