Recombinant Human Epidermal Growth Factor (36001P-1.0mg)

Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) is a 6-kDa protein consisting of 53 amino acid residues and 3 intramolecular disulfide linkages. Human tissues, such as platelets, the parotid gland, and the submandibular gland, are rich in EGF. EGF, which was first discovered in human urine and the submaxillary glands of mice, functions as a major modulator of cell proliferation by attaching to its receptor, EGFR, which is found on the cell membrane. EGF triggers autophosphorylation of transmembrane protein tyrosine kinase EGFR upon binding, hence initiating downstream signaling cascades through pathways such as phosphatidylinositol and ras. Beyond the cell membrane, EGF has a variety of roles as it also initiates cytoplasmic processes such actin depolymerization and membrane ruffle formation. Studies indicate that EGF and its receptor might possibly be important components of the nucleus, highlighting the complexity of EGF-mediated cellular responses.