receptor tyrosine kinase
(reh-SEP-ter TY-ruh-seen KY-nays)
A member of a group of proteins called tyrosine kinases that are found on the surface of cells. Receptor tyrosine kinases play an important role in many cell functions, including cell-to-cell communication and cell division, maturation, movement, metabolism, and survival.
Sometimes, the genes that make receptor tyrosine kinases have mutations (changes) that cause receptor tyrosine kinases to be overactive or be found in higher-than-normal amounts. This may cause cancer cells to grow. Drugs that block the mutant receptor tyrosine kinases are being used to treat some types of cancer. Also called RTK.