In Metazoans a number of cellular functions are controlled by receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) during development and in postnatal life. The execution of these programs requires that signals of adequate strength are delivered for the appropriate time within precise spatial boundaries. Several RTK inhibitors have been identified in invertebrate and mammalian organisms. Because they are involved in tuning and termination of receptor signals, negative regulators of RTK activity fulfill a fundamental function in the control of receptor signaling.
