Description: EGF （Epidermal Growth Factor） is a member of the EGF-like family of proteins. It stimulates the growth and differentiation of fibroblasts and epithelial cells, and plays a role in the development and regeneration of various tissues. EGF, like many of the other members of this family, it is synthesized as a precursor protein that remains anchored to the cell surface. Release of the soluble form occurs through a process known as ectodomain shedding, which involves cleavage of the extracellular domain by the proteins disintegrin and ADAM17. EGF signals via EGF Receptor （EGFr, ErbB1, or HER1）, which is a type 1 tyrosine kinase receptor and can also bind several other EGF-like proteins. Binding of EGF to EGFr triggers receptor dimerization, autophosphorylation, and internalization of the receptor-ligand complex. EGF and its receptor are often overexpressed in malignant tumors, and are considered potential targets for cancer therapy.