SH2 domain: Binds phosphorylated tyrosine residues on activated receptors (e.g., EGFR, PDGFR) .
SH3 domains: Mediate interactions with proline-rich motifs in downstream effectors like BCAR1 and RAPGEF1 .
RAS/MAPK: CRKL activates RAS via SOS1, driving cell cycle progression .
PI3K/AKT: Facilitates survival signaling through interactions with GAB1/2 and PIK3R2 .
BCR-ABL: CRKL is phosphorylated by BCR-ABL in chronic myeloid leukemia, promoting fibroblast transformation .
CRKL overexpression or amplification is recurrent in multiple cancers, correlating with poor prognosis and therapy resistance:
Proliferation: CRKL silencing via siRNA reduces viability in LSCC (60% mRNA suppression; p < 0.01) , NSCLC (WST-1 assay; p < 0.001) , and endometrial carcinoma (MTT assay; p < 0.001) .
Migration/Invasion: CRKL knockdown decreases wound healing in LSCC (20–80% reduction; p < 0.05) and glioblastoma (↓ lamellipodia formation) .
Anti-Apoptotic Effects: Overexpression upregulates survivin and Bcl-2 while suppressing Bax and caspase-3 cleavage .
Urogenital Development:
Cardiac Development:
Targeted Inhibition:
Biomarker Potential:
CRKL functions as an adapter protein containing SH2 and SH3 domains that mediate protein-protein interactions in various signaling pathways. When approaching this question methodologically, researchers should employ both computational and biological validation approaches. As Kohane argues, there are situations where "an overwhelming set of 'lightly used' previously published data can be re-explored to even greater effect and greater applicability than a narrow set of biological experiments" . For CRKL research, this might involve meta-analysis of existing datasets before conducting new experimental validation.
When investigating structure-function relationships, researchers should consider that "Like proteins, many RNA molecules can fold into three-dimensional structures that catalyze reactions and regulate gene expression" . Similarly, understanding CRKL's structural characteristics requires both computational modeling and experimental validation. Researchers should design experiments that allow for clear hypothesis testing about how specific domains contribute to CRKL function, following principles of good experimental design where "the observations or measurements should be obtained to answer a query in a valid, efficient and economical way" .
When selecting experimental models, consider the observation that "biological results from an in vitro experiment in a non-human model organism under conditions having little to do with those experienced in the course of human pathology" may be suspect . Experimental design should include appropriate controls and validation steps. Consider the following comparative approach to model systems:
Model System | Advantages | Limitations | Best Applications |
---|---|---|---|
Human cell lines | Direct relevance to human biology | Limited physiological context | Molecular mechanisms, protein interactions |
Mouse models | In vivo context, genetic manipulation | Species differences | Signaling pathways, tissue-specific functions |
Computational models | Large-scale data integration | Requires validation | Pathway analysis, structure prediction |
When designing experiments, researchers must understand that "the designing of the experiment and the analysis of obtained data are inseparable" . For CRKL research, this means clearly defining experimental units, treatments, and sampling units before beginning. "If the experiment is designed properly keeping in mind the question, then the data generated is valid and proper analysis of data provides the valid statistical inferences" . Therefore, when studying CRKL's role in specific pathways, researchers should:
Define clear hypotheses about pathway interactions
Design appropriate controls for each signaling component
Account for potential cross-talk between pathways
Establish clear metrics for measuring pathway activation
When investigating protein phosphorylation, researchers face analytical challenges similar to those described in computational biology: "Can we establish a scientific theory or at least a reliable set of heuristics as to when such investigations are sufficient?" For CRKL phosphorylation studies, researchers should employ multiple complementary techniques (mass spectrometry, phospho-specific antibodies, kinase assays) to address the methodological limitations of each approach. The experimental design should include appropriate controls and validation steps, considering that "the unexplained random part of the variation in any experiment is termed as experimental error" .
Conflicting data is common in complex biological systems. Kohane recounts presenting findings where "after my presentation, colleagues expressed skepticism about the validity and interest of these results, given that the analysis brought together so many disparate conditions and organisms" . When facing contradictory results about CRKL function, researchers should:
Evaluate methodological differences between studies
Consider biological context variations
Examine whether conflicting data might represent different aspects of CRKL function
Design experiments specifically to address and reconcile contradictions
Studies show that "even when collaborators are in the same location (a best case scenario), fewer than a third of collaborations succeed" . For CRKL research that often spans structural biology, cell signaling, and disease models, effective collaboration requires attention to proximity. The "Allen Curve" suggests that "When coworkers are located more than 30 meters from one another, a collaboration's effectiveness declines precipitously" . Teams should implement regular in-person meetings when possible, and for distanced collaboration, develop structured communication protocols.
According to the "Theory of Remote Scientific Collaboration" (TORSC), successful collaboration depends on "collaboration readiness, technical readiness, modularity of tasks, and a management plan" . When integrating computational predictions with experimental validation of CRKL function, researchers should:
Establish clear roles between computational and experimental scientists
Develop shared terminology and understanding of each approach's limitations
Create modular project components with clear integration points
Implement regular review of both computational predictions and experimental results
Multi-institutional collaborations face particular challenges, as "collaborations involving more institutions actually generated fewer positive outcomes" . For CRKL research spanning clinical and basic science domains, researchers should implement structured knowledge transfer processes, including:
Regular inter-institutional meetings
Shared databases and analysis pipelines
Clear division of responsibilities
Documentation of methodological approaches across institutions
When analyzing complex signaling networks, researchers should recognize that "if the experiment is not well designed, the validity of the statistical inferences is questionable and may be invalid" . For CRKL network analysis, appropriate statistical approaches should:
Account for multiple testing when examining numerous pathway components
Consider both direct and indirect interactions
Adjust for potential confounding variables
Implement appropriate normalization for different experimental conditions
Integrating computational and experimental approaches remains challenging. Kohane notes the "failure of the bio-computation community's confidence in their own methodology and a similar failure in our ability to educate our broader biological investigational community regarding what constitutes a figure of merit in a modern computationally-assisted scientific investigation" . When integrating computational predictions with experimental data for CRKL, researchers should:
Clearly define the strengths and limitations of each approach
Establish validation criteria before beginning analysis
Consider using Bayesian approaches to update predictions based on experimental findings
Document both confirmatory and contradictory results between computational and experimental approaches
When studying biological variation, researchers should recognize that "replication" is "the repetition of the experimental situation by replicating the experimental unit" . For addressing variability in CRKL expression and function, researchers should:
Design sampling strategies that account for biological variability
Use appropriate statistical methods to quantify variation
Consider hierarchical or mixed models that can account for nested sources of variation
Report both means and measures of variability in publications
Single-cell approaches require specialized experimental design considerations. As noted for experimental design generally, researchers must clearly identify "the object that is measured in an experiment" (the sampling unit), which "may be different from the experimental unit" . For single-cell studies of CRKL, researchers should:
Establish clear cellular identification and isolation protocols
Develop appropriate controls for technical variability
Consider computational approaches for handling high-dimensional data
Validate findings across multiple single-cell platforms
When evaluating new technologies, researchers should consider both "technical readiness" for adoption and the potential impact on understanding fundamental biology . For CRKL research, promising technologies include:
Live-cell imaging of CRKL dynamics
Optogenetic control of CRKL activation
CRISPR-based functional genomics
AI-driven prediction of CRKL interaction networks
Each of these approaches requires rigorous validation, following the principle that "the designing of the experiment and the analysis of obtained data are inseparable" .
The V-crk Sarcoma Virus CT10 Oncogene Homolog (Avian)-Like, commonly referred to as CRK, is a gene that encodes a member of the CRK family of adaptor proteins. These proteins are involved in signal transduction pathways that regulate various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. The human recombinant form of this gene is of particular interest in cancer research due to its role in oncogenesis.
The CRK gene was originally identified in the CT10 avian sarcoma virus, where it was found to be responsible for the transformation of normal cells into cancerous cells. This discovery highlighted the gene’s potential role in oncogenesis and spurred further research into its function and mechanisms.
CRK proteins contain SH2 (Src Homology 2) and SH3 (Src Homology 3) domains, which allow them to interact with other proteins involved in signal transduction. The SH2 domain binds to phosphorylated tyrosine residues on target proteins, while the SH3 domain interacts with proline-rich sequences. These interactions facilitate the assembly of multi-protein complexes that transmit signals from cell surface receptors to intracellular targets.
CRK proteins play a crucial role in various cellular processes:
CRK proteins have been implicated in the development and progression of various cancers. Overexpression of CRK has been observed in several types of tumors, including lung, breast, and colorectal cancers . The oncogenic potential of CRK is attributed to its ability to promote cell proliferation, inhibit apoptosis (programmed cell death), and enhance cell migration and invasion. These properties contribute to tumor growth and metastasis.
The activity of CRK proteins is regulated by phosphorylation. Tyrosine phosphorylation of CRK proteins can either activate or inhibit their function, depending on the context. Additionally, CRK proteins are subject to regulation by other signaling molecules, such as kinases and phosphatases, which modulate their interactions with target proteins.
Given its role in oncogenesis, CRK is a potential target for cancer therapy. Inhibitors that block the interactions of CRK with its binding partners or prevent its phosphorylation could potentially disrupt the signaling pathways that drive tumor growth. Ongoing research aims to develop such therapeutic strategies and to further elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying CRK function.