The roles of phospholipase D in EGFR signaling

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a representative model of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), and offers a means of understanding their common principles and fundamental mechanisms. Furthermore, EGFR plays an essential role in cell proliferation and migration, and the disruption of EGFR signaling has been implicated in the development and growth of cancer. Phospholipase D (PLD) is a key mediator of EGFR function, and can be directly regulated by upstream binding partners in an EGF-dependent manner. PLD regulates downstream molecules by generating phosphatidic acid (PA), but it also dynamically interacts with a variety of intracellular molecules and these interactions spatiotemporally regulate EGFR function and serve as a hub that orchestrates signaling flow. This review summarizes the interrelationship between PLD and its binding molecules in the context of EGFR signaling, and addresses the roles of PLD in the mediation and coordination of this signaling.