The ERBB2 receptor: a necessary proto oncogene

During development cardiac morphogenesis relies on the concerted activity of several growth factor receptors including the proto oncogene ERBB2. In adults, its cardiotoxicity causes severe side effects in anti-ERBB2 cancer therapies. Therefore we developed a transgenic zebrafish line to elucidate the role of ErbB2 signaling in cardiomyocytes. Using this novel tool combined with state-of-the-art microscopy, we were able to identify ErbB2 as a mediator of remodeling of the contractile machinery, an unexpected mechanism with potentially important implications to human health.