[The epidermal growth factor family].
The growth and differentiation of cells are controlled by growth factors that act through binding to specific receptors on the cellular membrane. The epidermal growth factor (EGF) family consists of at least nine structurally similar peptides that activate one or more of the four receptors of the family. The family is of importance in connection with foetal development and in the adult organism in connection with tissue repair. Treatment with EGF has been used in connection with repair of gastrointestinal and corneal lesions. One or more of the EGF-receptors (HER-1-4) are present in almost all cells of the body. Both the receptors and the peptides are of importance in connection with malignant disease. Analysis of the EGF system in human tumors has shown increased expression in glioblastomas, mammary cancers, head- and neck carcinomas and bladder cancer.
Arhus Kommunehospital, klinisk-biokemisk afdeling KH.
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Nexø
D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008024:Ligands
D008024:Ligands; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor; D066246:ErbB Receptors
Epidermal growth factor-familien.