Molecular mechanisms governing the action of the epidermal growth factor receptor and receptor tyrosine kinases, a personal perspective

I have been studying the mechanism of action of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR), other receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and their cellular signalling pathways for the past 45 years. A decade ago, I authored a review detailing the first two decades of research and highlighting critical milestones in this field (Cold Spring Harb. Perspect. Biol. 6, a008912 (2014) (doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a008912)). In the present article, I offer a personal perspective first on why and how I became interested in exploring the mechanism of action of EGF, and later about deciphering the modes of action of EGFR and other RTKs. These insights have also been pivotal in advancing the development of novel therapeutics. This article is part of the discussion meeting issue 'Epidermal growth factor receptor after 40 years'.