Merck, GF316, EGF Protein, Human Recombinant Animal Free

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is the founding member of the EGF family that also includes TGFα, amphiregulin (AR), betacellulin (BTC), epiregulin (EPR), heparinbinding EGF like growth factor (HB-EGF), epigen, and the neuregulins (NRG)1-6. EGF is a potent growth factor that stimulates the proliferation of various epidermal and epithelial cells. Additionally, EGF has been shown to inhibit gastric secretion, and to be involved in wound healing. EGF signals through a receptor known as c-erbB, which is a class I tyrosine kinase receptor. This receptor also binds with TGF-α and VGF (vaccinia virus growth factor). Recombinant human EGF is a 6.2 kDa globular protein containing 53 amino acid residues including 3 intramolecular disulfide-bonds.