NCIt definition : Epidermal growth factor receptor (1210 aa, 134 kDa) is encoded by the human EGFR
gene. This protein plays a role in cell-cell adhesion, cell migration, cell proliferation
and signal transduction.;
Alternative definition : NCI-GLOSS: The protein found on the surface of some cells and to which epidermal growth
factor binds, causing the cells to divide. It is found at abnormally high levels on
the surface of many types of cancer cells, so these cells may divide excessively in
the presence of epidermal growth factor.;
NCIt note : The Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor is a protein tyrosine kinase with two glycoprotein
components of different molecular weight; both contain phosphotyrosine and phosphothreonine
but only the higher molecular weight form contains phosphoserine. The tyrosine kinase
activity is required for internalization or degradation of EGF-EGFR receptor complexes.
EGF stimulation of the receptor initiates DNA and protein synthesis in target cells.
The receptor is not found on mitotically quiescent cells except the stomach where
it controls synthesis and release of digestive enzymes and gastric acid. TGF alpha
also binds to and activates the receptor.;
Codes from synonyms : CDR0000044399; CDR0000044398; CDR0000044397; CDR0000045680;