Stimulation of fibroblast migration by epidermal growth factor

Epidermal growth factor has been found to stimulate the migration of human foreskin fibroblasts grown at low serum concentration. This effect may be caused by a direct activation of the cytoskeletal elements or indirectly via an increased production of migration facilitating matrix proteins. We speculate on the possible implications of the present finding in the invasive properties of growth factor releasing transformed cells and in the direction of migration of cells in embryonal development.