Epidermal growth factor (EGF) (EGF)

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a polypeptide growth factor crucial for the stimulation of cell proliferation, migration, and re-epithelialization during tissue repair. EGF is produced by various cells including platelets, macrophages, and fibroblasts and exerts its biological effects by binding to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a transmembrane tyrosine kinase. This interaction activates intracellular signaling pathways (MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and JAK/STAT) that drive cellular processes necessary for wound healing. EGF and EGFR play a key role in the healing of ulcers by promoting the regeneration of epithelial and mucosal tissues in sites of injury, and recombinant EGF is clinically used to enhance repair in chronic ulcers. The accumulation of EGF at ulcer sites is a physiological response that accelerates repair, but the term itself is an event, not a molecular target.

Other names

Epidermal growth factorurogastroneEGF

EGF binds to EGFR, triggering receptor dimerization and tyrosine kinase signaling (MAPK pathway, PI3K/AKT pathway, JAK/STAT pathway), leading to cell proliferation, migration, and tissue repair. Promotes mitosis, glycolysis, fibroblast activation, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix formation.