EGFR gene

EGFR gene is a gene in humans that encodes the protein Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor. This protein is a receptor for members of the epidermal growth factor family. EGFR is a cell surface protein that binds to epidermal growth factor, resulting in receptor dimerization and tyrosine autophosphorylation leading to cell proliferation.

Function

The EGFR gene provides instructions for making a receptor protein located on the surface of cells, which is involved in interactions that control many important cellular processes. The protein produced from the EGFR gene is found on the surface of many cell types and is involved in processes such as cell growth and division (proliferation) and cell movement (migration).

Clinical significance

Mutations in the EGFR gene are associated with lung cancer, particularly non-small cell lung cancer. These mutations lead to a constitutively active protein, which means the protein is always turned on and signaling the cell to grow and divide. This uncontrolled cell division leads to the formation of a tumor.

See also

• Epidermal growth factor
• Non-small cell lung cancer
• Cell proliferation
• Cell migration

External links

• EGFR gene at NCBI
• EGFR gene at Genetics Home Reference

EGFR gene Resources
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