Amphiregulin (AREG) Human Active Protein

The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the epidermal growth factor family. It is an autocrine growth factor as well as a mitogen for astrocytes, Schwann cells and fibroblasts. It is related to epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha). The protein interacts with the EGF/TGF-alpha receptor to promote the growth of normal epithelial cells, and it inhibits the growth of certain aggressive carcinoma cell lines. It also functions in mammary gland, oocyte and bone tissue development. This gene is associated with a psoriasis-like skin phenotype, and is also associated with other pathological disorders, including various types of cancers and inflammatory conditions. [provided by RefSeq, Apr 2014]

AREG: Ligand of the EGF receptor/EGFR. Autocrine growth factor as well as a mitogen for a broad range of target cells including astrocytes, Schwann cells and fibroblasts. Belongs to the amphiregulin family.

Protein type: Membrane protein, integral

Chromosomal Location of Human Ortholog: 4q13.3

Cellular Component: extracellular space; cell surface; cytoplasm; integral to membrane; nucleus

Molecular Function: protein binding; growth factor activity; cytokine activity; epidermal growth factor receptor binding

Biological Process: epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway; response to peptide hormone stimulus; response to cAMP; response to glucocorticoid stimulus; response to estradiol stimulus; glial cell proliferation; cell proliferation; G-protein coupled receptor protein signaling pathway; cell-cell signaling; response to hydrogen peroxide; positive regulation of cell proliferation; negative regulation of osteoblast differentiation; neurite development; positive regulation of phosphorylation; positive regulation of DNA replication