The PEA3 Ets transcription factor is a downstream target of the HER2/Neu receptor tyrosine kinase

The HER2/neu gene, which is overexpressed in 20 – 30% of human breast tumors, encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase that functions through multiple signaling pathways to regulate the activity of nuclear transcription factors. We have reported that PEA3, an Ets family transcription factor, is overexpressed in HER2/Neu-induced breast tumors and their metastases. To account for the increased levels of PEA3 in these tumors we have suggested that …