Basic Things to Know About Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) & Fight Ligand (FASL)
Epidermal growth factor (EGF), a founding member of the EGF-family of proteins, is a 6 kilodalton protein belonging to the EGF-protein family. EGF binds to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and stimulates cell growth and differentiation . In humans, this protein is made of 53 amino acid residues and its tertiary structure is held together by 3 intramolecular disulfide bonds. Researchers first identified EGF in human urine and mice submaxillary glands as a secreted protein. Since then, EGF has been found in tears, saliva, milk, plasma, and tissues, including the parotid gland and submandibular gland-urogastrone or its trade name Heberprot-P.
EGF function a founding member of the EGF-family of proteins is a 6 kilodalton protein belonging to the EGF-protein family. It binds to the epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR) and stimulates cell growth and differentiation. In humans, this protein is made of 53 amino acid residues and it’s tertiary structure is held together by 3 intramolecular disulfide bonds. Researchers first identified EGF in human urine and mice submaxillary glands as a secreted protein. Since then, EGF has been found in tears, saliva, milk, plasma, and tissues, including the parotid gland and submandibular gland. It’s trade name Heberprot-P.
EGF is a small protein consisting of 53 amino-acid residues and three intramolecular disulfide bonds. The protein is synthesized as an inactive proprotein and is cleaved to produce active EGF by two proteases: furin (also named PC4/XCL1) and PC5/t-PA .
Fight ligand or FasL (CD178 or CD95L) is a homotrimeric human type II transmembrane protein. The Fas ligand gene (FASLG) on chromosome 1q24.3 encodes the Fas ligand protein. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes express FasL on their surfaces that belong to the TNF family of proteins. By binding to its receptors, FasL induces apoptosis in cells. A matrix metalloproteinase MMP-7 cleaves membrane-bound FasL and generates a soluble FasL. FasL interacts with its receptors and plays a crucial role in immune system regulation and cancer progression. Fas ligand or FasL (CD178) is a transmembrane protein that belongs to the TNF protein family. It can be referred to as the Fas death receptor. The gene encoding for it, FASLG, is found on Chromosome 1, on the short arm between positions p13 and q24.3. FasL has been studied widely throughout the years. Many of these studies have been conducted for two reasons: firstly to understand how the immune system functions, and secondly to investigate how tumors managed to evade immune responses and even use anti-apoptotic pathways to extend their survival (1).
EGF and FasL are two very important proteins that are involved in the life and death cycle. Fas ligand (FasL or CD95L) plays a role in apoptotic cell death, and helps our immune system with fighting off viruses and tumors. In cells, it sits on the outside of the plasma membrane like a thorn waiting for something to come along and stick on it. It is often referred to as an Extracellular Trimeric TNF-Like Receptor Superfamily Member 7. EGF stands for Epidermal Growth Factor due to its ability to promote angiogenesis (the process of forming new blood vessels), wound healing, and the regeneration of epithelial tissue throughout the body. Although it is most commonly known for promoting tumor growth, a newly discovered factor may turn this stereotype on its head because human embryonic stem cells use EGF to regulate their growth through their lifespan.