About 25% of breast cancers are composed of cells that overexpress the HER2 gene. What property does the overexpression of this gene confer upon the tumor cells?

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The overexpression of the HER2 gene confers upon the tumor cells the property of being especially sensitive to growth factor stimulation. HER2 is a receptor tyrosine kinase that binds to growth factors, such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) and promotes cell growth and proliferation. When this gene is overexpressed in breast cancer cells, it leads to an increase in the expression of HER2 receptors on the cell surface, making the cells highly responsive to growth factor signals. This is why HER2-positive breast cancers tend to grow and spread more aggressively. Targeted therapies such as Herceptin are designed to block the HER2 receptor and reduce the growth of these cells.

About 25% of Breast Cancers Are Composed of Cells That