Structure-function relationships in Src family and related protein tyrosine kinases

Abstract

There is increasing evidence to suggest that cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases of the Src family have a pivotal role in the regulation of a number of cellular processes. Members of this family have been implicated in cellular responses to a variety of extracellular signals, such as those arising from growth factors and cell-cell interactions, as well as in differentiative and developmental processes in both vertebrates and invertebrates. A better understanding of the regulation and of the structure-function relationships of these enzymes might aid in the development of specific ways to interfere with their action, as well as serving as a paradigm for regulation of other protein tyrosine kinases that have SH2 and SH3 domains. In this review we will first discuss the regulation of Src family protein tyrosine kinases, with particular emphasis on their SH2 and SH3 domains. We will then briefly review other non-receptor protein tyrosine kinases that have SH2 and SH3 domains.