EGF RECEPTOR Meaning and
Definition
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The EGF receptor, also known as the epidermal growth factor receptor, is a cell surface protein that belongs to the family of receptor tyrosine kinases. It is found in many different types of cells and plays a crucial role in regulating cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. The EGF receptor is activated by binding to specific growth factors such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha), and amphiregulin.
When a growth factor molecule binds to the EGF receptor, it triggers a series of biochemical events inside the cell. This leads to the activation of the receptor's intracellular kinase activity, which in turn initiates signaling cascades that regulate various cellular processes. The activated EGF receptor can phosphorylate target proteins, ultimately influencing gene expression, cell cycle progression, and cell survival.
Dysregulation or mutations in the EGF receptor can have significant implications in various diseases, particularly cancer. Mutations in the EGF receptor gene can result in the receptor being constitutively activated, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor formation. Consequently, the EGF receptor has become an attractive target for cancer therapy, and drugs that inhibit its activity, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, have been developed to specifically target and block the activity of the receptor.
In summary, the EGF receptor is a key molecule involved in regulating cell growth and differentiation. Its activation triggers signaling pathways that influence various cellular processes and has implications in diseases such as cancer.
Common Misspellings for EGF RECEPTOR
- wgf receptor
- sgf receptor
- dgf receptor
- rgf receptor
- 4gf receptor
- 3gf receptor
- eff receptor
- evf receptor
- ebf receptor
- ehf receptor
- eyf receptor
- etf receptor
- egd receptor
- egc receptor
- egv receptor
- egg receptor
- egt receptor
- egr receptor
- egf eeceptor
- egf deceptor
Etymology of EGF RECEPTOR
The etymology of the word "EGF receptor" can be broken down as follows:
1. EGF: EGF stands for Epidermal Growth Factor. The term "epidermal" refers to the outermost layer of the skin, while "growth factor" indicates a substance that stimulates cell growth and division. EGF was first discovered as a growth factor that promoted the proliferation of epidermal cells.
2. Receptor: The term "receptor" comes from the Latin word "re-" meaning "again" or "in return" and "capere" meaning "to take". In biology, a receptor refers to a molecule or structure on a cell that binds to a specific molecule (ligand) to activate a response. In the case of the EGF receptor, it refers to the molecule on the cell surface that binds to the Epidermal Growth Factor.
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