Epidermal growth factor

  • OMIM: 131530
  • MGI: 95290

Epidermal growth factor ( engl. epidermal growth factor, EGF) is a polypeptide that acts as a signal molecule in the initiation of mitosis. It stimulates the formation of a variety of cell types ( growth factor), which is why it is used in the cell culture.

EGF protein functions in connection with a number of receptors, which, under the family designation epidermal growth factor receptors ( EGFRs ) are combined. These are usually binding proteins on the cell surface. So far, four closely related receptors are known which 1 HER1, ( also referred to as epidermal growth factor receptor or EGFR ) and human epidermal growth factor receptor, HER2, HER3, and HER4 is referred to. The interaction of the EGF protein with its precursor proteins and receptor proteins is one of the best-studied signal transduction pathways in the field of cancer research. The genetic information of EGF is encoded in the chromosome 4.

Medical importance

The monoclonal antibody binds to the receptor Cetuximab HER1 and thus prevents binding of EGF. Cetuximab, and panitumumab, are used in the treatment of colorectal cancer and head and neck cancers.

The monoclonal antibody trastuzumab bind to the HER2 receptor, thereby preventing binding of EGF. Trastuzumab is used in the treatment of breast cancer. About 30% of breast cancers are HER2/neu-positiv.

Human Genome Organisation Mouse Genome Informatics Euteleostomi Entrez Ensembl UniProt National Center for Biotechnology Information
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