Epidermal Growth Factor

EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a peptide or protein factor that stimulates the division of epithelial cells.

EGF was first isolated from the salivary glands of mice. In terms of its chemical structure, it is close to urogastron, a peptide that stimulates the growth of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines.

The main function of EGF is to stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes - cells of the epidermis of the skin. EGF binds to specific receptors on the surface of keratinocytes and triggers a cascade of intracellular signaling pathways, as a result of which cells begin to actively divide.

Due to its ability to stimulate skin regeneration, EGF is widely used in medicine to treat burns, wounds, ulcers and other damage to the skin. Preparations based on EGF accelerate the healing of wound surfaces. In addition, EDF is used in cosmetology for skin rejuvenation and regeneration.

Thus, epidermal growth factor plays an important role in regulating the life of epithelial cells, especially skin keratinocytes. Due to its regenerative properties, EGF is widely used for medical and cosmetic purposes.

Introduction Growth factors are molecules that play an important role in regulating the process of tissue growth and development. One such growth factor that we will look at in this article is epidermal growth factor (EGF). It belongs to a family of proteins called epidermal growth factors (EGFRs) and is involved in supporting healthy skin and hair cells.

Description of Epidermal Growth Factor Epidermal growth factor (EGFR or EGF) is a peptide or protein molecule that accelerates the division of skin cells and forms the “skin.” The source of this factor, as a rule, is pig tissue - for example, tissue from the reproductive organs of pigs.

The biochemical structure of epidermal growth factor has developed at the intersection of genetics, biochemistry and physiology. The molecule has a small molecular weight (~5-7 kilodaltons) and consists of several domains, each of which performs its own tasks. A total of 4 domains have been identified: EGF (or external domain), extracellular domain, kinase domain and transmembrane domain.