EGFR stands for Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor. It refers to a protein molecule that is found on the surface of cells and plays a crucial role in cell growth, division, and survival. EGFR belongs to a family of receptors known as receptor tyrosine kinases, which are involved in cell signaling pathways and facilitate communication between cells.
The epidermal growth factor receptor is primarily involved in regulating cellular processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. It acts as a receptor for a variety of growth factors, including epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-α). When these growth factors bind to EGFR, it triggers a series of biochemical events inside the cell, leading to the activation of various signaling pathways.
Abnormal activation or overexpression of EGFR has been associated with several types of cancer, such as lung, colorectal, breast, and head and neck cancers. Therefore, EGFR has become an important therapeutic target for the development of drugs, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, in cancer treatment.
In summary, EGFR is a cell surface receptor that plays a crucial role in cell growth, division, and survival. It acts as a receptor for growth factors and its abnormal activation is implicated in the development and progression of various types of cancer.
