Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the EGFR gene. EGFR is a member of the ErbB family of receptors, a subfamily of four closely related receptor tyrosine kinases.
Pronunciation
The pronunciation of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor is /ɛpɪˈdɜːrməl ˈɡroʊθ ˈfæktər rɪˈsɛptər/.
Etymology
The term "Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor" is derived from its function and location. "Epidermal" refers to the outer layer of the skin where the receptor is predominantly found, "Growth Factor" refers to its role in cell growth and proliferation, and "Receptor" indicates its function as a protein that binds to specific molecules, triggering a specific response in the cell.
Related Terms
Function
EGFR is a cell surface protein that binds to epidermal growth factor. 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 is the target of several anticancer therapies such as gefitinib and cetuximab.
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