EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) is best known for having the ability to stimulate cell growth and proliferation. There are many EGF responses and they are regulated by seven ligands: EGF, transforming growth factor-alpha (TGFA), heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HBEGF), betacellulin (BTC), amphiregulin (AREG), epiregulin (EREG), and epigen (EPGN) and four ErbB (HER) family receptor tyrosine kinases: EGFR/ErbB1, ErbB2, ErbB3 and ErbB4. EGF family members are important for development and promoting mitogenesis and differentiation of mesenchymal and epithelial cells. EGF acts as a mitogenic factor that plays an important role in the growth, proliferation and differentiation of numerous cell types. EGF plays a significant role in epithelial development, angiogenesis, regulation of gastric acid secretion, fibroblast proliferation, and colony formation of epidermal cells in culture. EGF dysregulation is also associated with the growth and progression of many cancers.

Low concentrations of EGF distinguish high-producing and repeat breeder cows from normal cows. The dairy cows having a normal EGF expression profile show a higher pregnancy rate than cows with aberrant EGF expression profiles. Evidence links EGF to embryogenesis and/or implantation in mammalian species by influencing growth-promoting activities on the conceptus and endometrium. EGF regulation is especially crucial in breeding pigs because they have a non-invasive placentation and a prolonged implantation period.

Alternate Names - EGF, HOMG4, URG, epidermal growth factor, Epidermal growth factor​

Amino Acid Homology Across Species
Gallus gallus (chicken) EGF – 100%
Coturnix japonica (Japanese quail) EGF – 96%
Meleagris gallopavo (turkey) EGF – 96%
Anas platyrhynchos (mallard) EGF – 96%
Anser cygnoides domesticus (domestic goose) EGF – 96%
Nipponia nippon (crested ibis) EGF – 96%
Phalacrocorax carbo (great cormorant) EGF – 96%