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Epidermal growth factor
Pronunciation
Definition 1
A protein made by many cells in the body and by some types of tumors. It causes cells to grow and differentiate (become more specialized). It is a type of growth factor and a type of cytokine. Also called EGF. (NCI Dictionary)
Definition 2
Epidermal Growth Factor, encoded by the EGF gene, has a profound effect on the differentiation of specific cells in vivo and is a potent mitogenic factor for a variety of cultured cells of both ectodermal and mesodermal origin. The EGF precursor is believed to exist as a membrane-bound molecule that is proteolytically cleaved to generate the 53-amino acid peptide hormone that stimulates cells to divide. (NCI Thesaurus/LocusLink)
Definition 3
Epidermal growth factor affects the differentiation of specific cells in vivo and is a potent mitogenic factor for a variety of cultured cells of both ectodermal and mesodermal origin. EGF is synthesized as a large protein precursor of 1,168 amino acids. Mature EGF is a single-chain polypeptide consisting of 53 amino acids and having a molecular mass of about 6,000 daltons. (OMIM) (NCI Thesaurus)
Definition 4
A 6 kD polypeptide growth factor initially discovered in mouse submaxillary glands. Human epidermal growth factor was originally isolated from urine based on its ability to inhibit gastric secretion and called urogastrone. EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR exerts a wide variety of biological effects including the promotion of proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal and epithelial cells. (NLM, Medical Subject Headings)
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