epiregulin


epiregulin

A member of the epidermal growth family which is encoded by EREG on chromosome 4q13.3. It is a ligand of the EGF receptor (EGFR) and ERBB4; it may mediate localised cell proliferation, and may stimulate cell proliferation and/or angiogenesis.

epiregulin

(ep″ē-reg′yŭ-lin) When released by a cell, an epidermal growth factor that stimulates the cell itself and other cells similar in structure and function to it. It is released in excessive quantities by cancerous cells and fosters their growth and spread throughout the body.