The role of the neu oncogene product in cell transformation and normal development.

p185neu, the protein product of the neu gene, is a tyrosine kinase receptor with structural similarity to the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor. The cognate ligand for the p185neu receptor remains unknown. We have defined: 1) stage and tissue-specific expression patterns of the neu gene product in developing tissues; 2) p185neu phosphorylation and the regulation of p185neu tyrosine kinase activity by EGF. 3) Synergistic interactions of cellular rat p185neu and EGF receptor leading to cell transformation; 4) structural and functional differences of normal and oncogenic p185neu. These observations explain some features of how p185neu is involved in normal development and neoplastic transformation.