Epidermal growth factor receptor

Epidermal growth factor receptor (often abbreviated as EGFR) is a protein that resides on the surface of some cells and receives signals to grow and divide. EGFR is found at abnormally high levels on the surface of many types of cancer cells, which may cause these cells to divide excessively.

Function

The Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) play a crucial role in the growth of cells. When EGF attaches to EGFR, it activates the receptor to send a signal to the nucleus of the cell, telling it to grow and divide. This is a normal process, but in some cells, EGFR is overactive, leading to excessive cell growth and the formation of tumors.

Role in Cancer

In many types of cancer, including lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and head and neck cancer, EGFR is overactive. This overactivity can be caused by a mutation in the EGFR gene, leading to a change in the EGFR protein that causes it to be constantly activated, even when there is no EGF present. This constant activation leads to excessive cell growth and the formation of tumors.

EGFR Inhibitors

Drugs that inhibit EGFR, known as EGFR inhibitors, are used to treat some types of cancer. These drugs work by blocking the signal from EGFR that tells the cell to grow and divide. This can slow the growth of the cancer and may even cause some cancer cells to die.

See Also

• Cancer
• Epidermal growth factor
• EGFR inhibitors

References

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  EGFR signaling pathway
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  Epidermal growth factor receptor