Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 1, 2026

Manipulating the Murine Lacrimal Gland
Published on: November 18, 2014
Exocrine Gland Morphogenesis: Insights into the Role of Amphiregulin from Development to Disease
Margherita Sisto1, Loredana Lorusso2, Giuseppe Ingravallo3
1Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare 1, 70124, Bari, Italy. margherita.sisto@uniba.it.
Abstract:
Amphiregulin (AREG) is a well-characterized member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family and is one of the ligands of the EGF receptor (EGFR). AREG plays a key role in mammalian development and in the control of branching morphogenesis in various organs. Furthermore, AREG participates in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes activating the major intracellular signalling cascades governing cell survival, proliferation and motility. In this article, we review current advances in exocrine glands morphogenesis, focusing on the salivary gland, and discuss the essential aspects of AREG structure, function and regulation, and its differential role within the EGFR family of ligands. Finally, we identify emerging aspects in AREG research applied to mammary gland development and the salivary gland autoimmune disease, Sjögren's syndrome.
Related Concept Videos
Role of Ephrin-Eph Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Receptor Downregulation in MVBs
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive EGFR...
Cadherins in Tissue Organization
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...
Gastrulation
Hedgehog Signaling Pathway
Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...

