The epidermal growth factor receptors and their family of ligands: their putative role in atherogenesis.
The epidermal growth factor receptor is a member of type-I growth factor receptor family with tyrosine kinase activity that is activated following the binding of multiple cognate ligands. Several members of the EGF family of ligands are expressed by cells involved in atherogenesis. EGF receptor mediated processes have been well characterised within epithelial, smooth muscle and tumour cell lines in vitro, and the EGF receptor has been identified immunocytochemically on intimal smooth muscle cells within atherosclerotic plaques. There is also limited evidence for the expression of the EGF receptor family on leukocytes, although their function has yet to be clarified. In this review, we will discuss the biological functions of this receptor and its ligands and their potential to modulate the function of cells involved in the atherosclerotic process.
Dreux
Alys C
AC
Centre for Clinical Science & Measurement, School of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, UK. a.dreux@surrey.ac.uk
Lamb
David J
DJ
Modjtahedi
Helmout
H
Ferns
Gordon A A
GA
D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D008024:Ligands; D009000:Monocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D012307:Risk Factors
D008024:Ligands; D066246:ErbB Receptors