What does the epidermal growth factor do?
A protein made by many cells in the body and by some types of tumors. It causes cells to grow and differentiate (become more specialized). It is a type of growth factor and a type of cytokine.
Where are epidermal growth factors found?
Biological sources. Epidermal growth factor can be found in urine, saliva, milk, tears, and blood plasma. It can also be found in the submandibular glands, and the parotid gland. The production of EGF has been found to be stimulated by testosterone.
What cells produce epidermal growth factor?
Epidermal Growth Factor and Transforming Growth Factor Alpha EGF is also expressed by alveolar epithelial cells and regulates type 2 cell proliferation in an autocrine manner.
What is the role of EGF in regulation of the cell cycle?
The oncogenic effects of EGFR include initiation of DNA synthesis, enhanced cell growth, invasion, and metastasis. Specific abrogation of EGFR results in cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, or dedifferentiaton of cancer cells. Downregulation of EGFR signaling has therapeutic benefit in preclinical and clinical studies.
What is the source of EGF?
Submaxillary gland and kidney are predominant source of EGF production. EGF/EGFR signaling promotes embryonic development and stem cell regeneration and regulates ion transport. EGF plays pivotal role in ulcer/wound healing.
Where are EGF receptors located?
EGFR is another member of the receptor tyrosine kinase family that is located on chromosome 7p12 in humans.
How does EGF result in tissue repair?
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) participates in dermal wound healing through stimulation, proliferation, and migration of keratinocyte, endothelial cells, and fibroblast and facilitates dermal regeneration.
How does EGF affect the cell cycle?
The first studies on the EGF in animals showed that it stimulated epidermal proliferation and keratinization [5]. We now know that the EGF can stimulate cell proliferation, cell differentiation, cell growth, migration, and inhibit apoptosis.