EGFR

EGFR or Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor is a protein that in humans is encoded by the EGFR gene. It is a cell surface protein that binds to epidermal growth factor, and is involved in mechanisms such as cell growth and division.

Function

EGFR is a receptor for members of the epidermal growth factor family (EGF family) of extracellular protein ligands. Binding of the protein to a ligand induces receptor dimerization and tyrosine autophosphorylation and leads to cell proliferation.

Clinical Significance

Mutations that lead to EGFR overexpression (known as upregulation) or overactivity have been associated with a number of cancers, including lung cancer and glioblastoma multiforme. In this regard, EGFR inhibitors are often used in the treatment of such cancers.

EGFR Inhibitors

EGFR inhibitors are medications which inhibit or prevent the action of EGFR. They are commonly used in the treatment of cancer, as cancer cells often have mutations leading to overactive EGFR which results in increased proliferation and reduced apoptosis.

See Also

• Epidermal growth factor
• Cancer
• Lung cancer
• Glioblastoma multiforme