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Epidermal Growth Factor

Growth Factors
EGFUrogastrone

Overview

Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), also known as urogastrone, is an endogenous polypeptide growth factor primarily produced by various cells, including epithelial cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages. It belongs to the class of proteins known as growth factors and plays a crucial role in cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. EGF is synthesized as a precursor protein and is cleaved to produce the active form. It is also available in synthetic forms for research and therapeutic purposes. Researchers have extensively studied EGF for its role in wound healing, tissue regeneration, and its potential implications in cancer biology. EGF is known to stimulate the proliferation of epidermal and epithelial cells, making it a significant focus in dermatological and oncological research. It has been investigated for its ability to enhance wound healing and its involvement in tumorigenesis, given its role in cell proliferation. The mechanism of action of EGF involves binding to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a transmembrane receptor with intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity. Upon binding, EGFR undergoes dimerization and autophosphorylation, activating downstream signaling pathways such as the MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and JAK/STAT pathways, which lead to cellular responses including proliferation and survival. Pharmacokinetically, EGF has a short circulating half-life, typically around 10 minutes when administered intravenously. It is rapidly cleared from the circulation, primarily metabolized by the liver and kidneys. The bioavailability of EGF varies significantly depending on the route of administration, with poor oral bioavailability due to degradation in the gastrointestinal tract. Clinically, EGF is used in certain topical formulations to promote wound healing and skin regeneration. It is not widely approved for systemic use due to its rapid clearance and potential for promoting tumorigenesis. Regulatory approval varies by region, with some topical applications approved for use in specific conditions.

Mechanism of Action

EGF acts primarily through the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a receptor tyrosine kinase. Upon binding, EGFR dimerizes and autophosphorylates, triggering downstream signaling cascades such as the MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and JAK/STAT pathways, leading to cellular proliferation and survival.

Molecular Data

FormulaC257H381N73O83S7
Molecular Weight6046 g/mol
CAS Number62229-50-9
PubChem CID56841751

Half-Life & Pharmacokinetics

EndogenousCirculating half-life ~10 minutes
Intravenous~10 minutes
OralPoor bioavailability due to first-pass metabolism

EGF is rapidly cleared from the circulation, primarily metabolized by the liver and kidneys.

Storage

Temperature

Refrigerate at 2-8°C

Light

Protect from light

Form

Aqueous solution: use within specified period after opening

Notes

Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles to maintain stability.

Solubility

EGF is soluble in water, which is relevant for its formulation in aqueous solutions.

Legal Status

🇩🇪DE

Data limited

🇺🇸US

Data limited

🇦🇺AU

Data limited

🇬🇧UK

Data limited

Legal status information is provided for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulatory changes. Always verify with official government sources before making any decisions.

7 Research Publications

Epidermal growth factor deficiency predisposes to progressive renal disease.

Animal

FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology · 2022

Researchers observed that a lack of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in mice led to increased kidney damage and disease progression. Specifically, EGF-deficient mice showed signs of severe kidney issues, suggesting that normal levels of EGF are important for maintaining kidney health.

  • EGF deficiency resulted in increased urinary microalbumin, indicating kidney damage.
  • Some EGF-deficient mice developed severe kidney disease not seen in other mice.
  • The study suggests that normal EGF levels help protect kidney function.
PubMed

Epidermal growth factor (EGF)-based activatable probe for predicting therapeutic outcome of an EGF-based doxorubicin prodrug.

Human

Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society · 2020

Researchers observed that an innovative probe targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) can effectively predict how well a specific cancer treatment works for colorectal cancer. This new method showed strong correlations between the probe's imaging ability and the treatment's effectiveness, potentially leading to more personalized cancer therapies.

  • The EGF-targeted probe can predict the effectiveness of an EGFR-targeted doxorubicin prodrug.
  • The probe demonstrated excellent cancer-specific imaging with minimal background signals.
  • The effectiveness of the treatment was linked to the cell's lysosomal activity rather than just EGFR levels.
PubMed

Allosteric regulation of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor ligand binding by tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Unknown

The Journal of biological chemistry · 2018

Researchers observed that tyrosine kinase inhibitors, which are used to treat tumors with EGF receptor mutations, not only block enzyme activity but also affect how the receptor binds to its ligands. They found that the structure of the receptor's different parts is interconnected, and this relationship can influence treatment effectiveness. These insights may enhance the use of these inhibitors alongside other therapies.

  • Tyrosine kinase inhibitors affect ligand binding in addition to blocking enzyme activity.
  • The EGF receptor's structure shows a connection between its extracellular and intracellular parts.
  • Understanding this relationship may improve treatment strategies using inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies.
PubMed

Epidermal growth factor, from gene organization to bedside.

Review

Seminars in cell & developmental biology · 2014

Researchers observed that epidermal growth factor (EGF), discovered in 1962, plays a crucial role in cell growth and movement, particularly in skin cells. They found that EGF is involved in various biological processes and is linked to several human diseases, highlighting its importance in both health and illness.

  • EGF activates receptors that influence cell growth and behavior.
  • It is essential for the development and function of epithelial cells.
  • EGF is implicated in various human diseases, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target.
PubMed

In vivo aspects of urogastrone-epidermal growth factor.

Review

Journal of cell science. Supplement · 1985

Researchers found that urogastrone-epidermal growth factor (URO-EGF) is produced in specific glands and is present in various body fluids at higher levels than in the blood. They observed that it can quickly reduce stomach acid and promote healing in the gastrointestinal tract, suggesting potential benefits for ulcer treatment. Synthetic versions of URO-EGF have been developed for further study of its effects.

  • URO-EGF is mainly produced in submandibular and Brunner's glands.
  • It can inhibit stomach acid secretion and protect against ulcers.
  • Prolonged exposure to URO-EGF may enhance wound healing and cell production in the gut.
PubMed

Receptors, acceptors, and the action of polypeptide hormones: illustrative studies with epidermal growth factor (urogastrone).

Review

Canadian journal of biochemistry and cell biology = Revue canadienne de biochimie et biologie cellulaire · 1983

Researchers observed how polypeptide hormones, like epidermal growth factor (EGF-URO), interact with specific receptors and acceptors in the body. They highlighted processes such as clustering, internalization, and recycling of these receptors, which are crucial for the hormones' rapid and delayed actions. This study helps explain the complex mechanisms behind hormone functions.

  • Polypeptide hormones bind to specific receptors and acceptors in cells.
  • Key processes include clustering, internalization, and recycling of receptors.
  • Different hormones can lead to various cellular responses through their unique receptors.
PubMed

The epidermal growth factor (EGF).

Review

Cancer · 1983

Researchers observed the historical journey of epidermal growth factor (EGF), including its discovery and how it works in the body. They also explored important experiments that connect EGF's biochemical actions to the way certain viruses can cause cancer.

  • EGF was discovered and isolated through significant research efforts.
  • EGF plays a crucial role in cell growth and development.
  • There are links between EGF's actions and cancer development caused by specific viruses.
PubMed

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This page is for informational and research purposes only. All information is based on published scientific literature. Nothing on this page constitutes medical advice or replaces consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.