The DDR2 gene is located on chromosome 1 at the 1q23.3 band . The protein structure of DDR2 includes an N-terminal discoidin (DS) domain, a DS-like domain, a proline/glycine-rich juxtamembrane region, a transmembrane ™ region, an intracellular juxtamembrane region, and a C-terminal kinase domain . DDR2 undergoes phosphorylation following fibrillar collagen binding, which is sustained for over 24 hours .
DDR2 plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including:
Recombinant DDR2 refers to the artificially synthesized form of the DDR2 protein, produced using recombinant DNA technology. This technology allows for the production of large quantities of DDR2 for research and therapeutic purposes. Recombinant DDR2 is used in various studies to understand its role in cellular processes and its potential as a therapeutic target.
DDR2 has been implicated in several diseases, particularly cancer. Studies have shown that DDR2 can augment extracellular matrix remodeling, invasion, and drug resistance, facilitating tumor progression and metastasis . However, DDR2 also promotes apoptosis and suppresses tumor progression in various human cancers, making its role in cancer complex and multifaceted .