Receptor tyrosine kinases play a key role in the communication of cells with their microenvironment. These kinases are involved in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation and metabolism. The protein encoded by this gene belongs to a subfamily of tyrosine kinase receptors with homology to Dictyostelium discoideum protein discoidin I in their extracellular domain, and that are activated by various types of collagen. Expression of this protein is restricted to epithelial cells, particularly in the kidney, lung, gastrointestinal tract, and brain. In addition, it has been shown to be significantly overexpressed in several human tumors. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been described for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Feb 2011],catalytic activity:ATP + a [protein]-L-tyrosine = ADP + a [protein]-L-tyrosine phosphate.,domain:The Gly/Pro-rich domains may be required for an unusual geometry of interaction with ligand or substrates.,function:May be involved in cell-cell interactions and recognition.,similarity:Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. Tyr protein kinase family. Insulin receptor subfamily.,similarity:Contains 1 F5/8 type C domain.,similarity:Contains 1 protein kinase domain.,tissue specificity:Expressed at low levels in most adult tissues and is highest in the brain and lung. Abundant in breast carcinoma cell lines.,
