HER2 is a membrane tyrosine kinase and oncogene that is overexpressed and gene amplified in about 20% of breast cancers. When activated it provides the cell with potent proliferative and anti-apoptosis signals and it is the major driver of tumor development and progression for this subset of breast cancer.

Is HER2 a proto oncogene or oncogene?

HER2 is a proto-oncogene found on chromosome 17. It encodes a protein and functions as a cell membrane receptor (see Figure 1). HER2 is one of a family of 4 structurally related receptors. The HER family plays an important role in regulating cell growth, survival, and differentiation in a complex manner.

What type of gene is HER2?

What is HER2? Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a gene that creates HER2 proteins. HER2 proteins are found on the surface of breast cells and promote breast cell growth. In a healthy breast cell, HER2 is responsible for repairing the cell and growing more cells.