Betacellulin (BTC)

Betacellulin is a protein growth factor encoded by the *BTC* gene in humans, primarily synthesized as a membrane-bound precursor that is proteolytically cleaved to yield the mature, secreted form[1][5]. It is a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family and functions predominantly as a ligand for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/ErbB1) and ErbB4, as well as facilitating heterodimerization across the ErbB receptor family[3][4]. Betacellulin is widely expressed in tissues such as the pancreas, kidney, liver, and various epithelial and smooth muscle cells, and is found in bodily fluids including serum and milk[1][5]. It is a potent mitogen, promoting cell proliferation in retinal pigment epithelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and driving pancreatic beta-cell differentiation[1][5]. Betacellulin is implicated in the pathogenesis of several cancers by supporting tumor cell growth, survival, and therapy resistance, and has additional roles in nerve regeneration and other differentiation processes[1][4].

Other names

ProbetacellulinprobetacellulinBTCBetacellulin

As a ligand for EGFR (ErbB1) and ErbB4, betacellulin binding induces receptor dimerization and activation of downstream signaling pathways including MEK/ERK, Akt, and STAT, leading to cell growth and survival[1][3][4]