Hormone epidermal growth factor interactions in development
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Published on: February 28, 2013
1UCLA School of Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance.
Abstract:
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is the most important member of a family of growth factors which exert their effects via a single 170,000 Mr plasma membrane receptor. Other members include transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha), amphiregulin and several viral growth factors. The receptor is widely distributed in fetal and postnatal tissues. The predominant family member in the fetus appears to be TGF-alpha. EGF production in tissues matures in the perinatal period. Activation of the receptor in the fetal and neonatal periods in rodents evokes important growth and development actions. Tissue EGF and EGF receptor concentrations are modulated by thyroid hormones, estrogen, testosterone and growth hormone, suggesting that selected growth and developmental actions of thyroid and steroid hormones may be mediated by EGF.
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Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...

