epidermal growth factor receptor
Last updated 18 Aug 2020
Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines
- DownloadDownload
- Share
- Language
- Discussion
- Audio Version
- Add to preferred sources on Google
The EGFR gene provides instructions for making a receptor protein called the epidermal growth factor receptor, which spans the cell membrane so that one end of the protein remains inside the cell and the other end projects from the outer surface of the cell. This positioning allows the receptor to attach (bind) to other proteins, called ligands, outside the cell and to receive signals that help the cell respond to its environment. Ligands and receptors fit together like keys into locks. Epidermal growth factor receptor binds to at least seven different ligands. The binding of a ligand to epidermal growth factor receptor allows the receptor to attach to another nearby epidermal growth factor receptor protein (dimerize), turning on (activating) the receptor complex. As a result, signaling pathways within the cell are triggered that promote cell growth and division (proliferation) and cell survival.
Normal function
The EGFR gene provides instructions for making a receptor protein called the epidermal growth factor receptor, which spans the cell membrane so that one end of the protein remains inside the cell and the other end projects from the outer surface of the cell. This positioning allows the receptor to attach (bind) to other proteins, called ligands, outside the cell and to receive signals that help the cell respond to its environment. Ligands and receptors fit together like keys into locks. Epidermal growth factor receptor binds to at least seven different ligands. The binding of a ligand to epidermal growth factor receptor allows the receptor to attach to another nearby epidermal growth factor receptor protein (dimerize), turning on (activating) the receptor complex. As a result, signaling pathways within the cell are triggered that promote cell growth and division (proliferation) and cell survival.
Conditions referring to this gene or chromosome
Other names
cell growth inhibiting protein 40
cell proliferation-inducing protein 61
erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 1
ERBB
ERBB1
HER1
mENA
NISBD2
PIG61
proto-oncogene c-ErbB-1
receptor tyrosine-protein kinase erbB-1
Related patient information and medicines
Patient information leaflet
Breast cancer
Treatment can block the oestrogen in these cancers (see below). Human epidermal growth factor (HER2) is a protein that can affect the growth of some cancer cells. It is found on the surface of normal breast cells. Some breast cancer cells have a very high number of HER2 receptors. Cancers having high levels of these receptors are called.
Patient information leaflet
Mouth cancer
Chemotherapy may also be advised if the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. Other treatments Newer treatments are being used in research for the treatment of mouth cancer: Targeted therapy is a type of chemotherapy that only affects or targets cancer cells: The advantage it is hoped to have over conventional chemotherapy is that it.
Patient information leaflet
Throat cancer
See the separate leaflet called Cancer for more general information about cancer The rest of this leaflet is about squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx. ... It is a type of monoclonal antibody which means that it can recognise and bind to specific proteins (receptors) that are found in the cancer cells. These proteins are epidermal growth factor.
Patient information leaflet
Telogen effluvium
Telogen effluvium (hair loss) is a condition where more than normal amounts of hair fall out. There is a general 'thinning' of the hair. Unlike some other hair and scalp conditions, it is temporary and the hair growth usually recovers. What is telogen effluvium. Telogen effluvium is rapid hair loss that is caused by stress or a change to your.
Patient information leaflet
Epidermoid and pilar cysts
Epidermoid and pilar cysts are commonly referred to as 'sebaceous cysts' (pronounced 'seb-ay-shuss'). They are overgrowths of skin cells (called keratin) held together in a little capsule, or sac. They are harmless smooth lumps just under the surface of the skin. An epidermoid cyst is a cyst where the cyst sac forms from epidermal cells that.
Patient information leaflet
Acromegaly
Acromegaly is a rare, progressive condition in which you make too much growth hormone. This causes a range of symptoms that develop gradually, often over several years. The most noticeable symptoms... This is because growth hormone stimulates the growth of bones, and in children, bones are still in their growing phase until the end of puberty.
Further reading and references
- epidermal growth factor receptor; MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.
- Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network. Comprehensive molecular profiling of lung adenocarcinoma. Nature. 2014 Jul 31;511(7511):543-50. doi: 10.1038/nature13385. Epub 2014 Jul 9.
- Lemmon MA, Schlessinger J, Ferguson KM. The EGFR family: not so prototypical receptor tyrosine kinases. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol. 2014 Apr 1;6(4):a020768. doi: 10.1101/cshperspect.a020768.
- Lindeman NI, Cagle PT, Beasley MB, Chitale DA, Dacic S, Giaccone G, Jenkins RB, Kwiatkowski DJ, Saldivar JS, Squire J, Thunnissen E, Ladanyi M. Molecular testing guideline for selection of lung cancer patients for EGFR and ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors: guideline from the College of American Pathologists, International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, and Association for Molecular Pathology. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2013 Jun;137(6):828-60. doi: 10.5858/arpa.2012-0720-OA. Epub 2013 Apr 3.
- Lohinai Z, Hoda MA, Fabian K, Ostoros G, Raso E, Barbai T, Timar J, Kovalszky I, Cserepes M, Rozsas A, Laszlo V, Grusch M, Berger W, Klepetko W, Moldvay J, Dome B, Hegedus B. Distinct Epidemiology and Clinical Consequence of Classic Versus Rare EGFR Mutations in Lung Adenocarcinoma. J Thorac Oncol. 2015 May;10(5):738-746. doi: 10.1097/JTO.0000000000000492.
Join the conversation
Share your thoughts or experiences with others in our patient communities.
Ask, share, connect.
Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.
Sign up to the Patient newsletter
Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.
By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.