Epiregulin

Epiregulin

Target · EGF family ligand

Epiregulin Epiregulin · Proepiregulin

Epiregulin (EREG, also known as ER) is a secreted peptide hormone of the epidermal growth factor family. It acts as a ligand of EGFR and ERBB4, and contributes to inflammation, wound healing and cell proliferation. Browse Assay Genie's current range of Epiregulin research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.

Secreted and membrane-boundEGFR and ERBB4 ligandLinked to tissue repair
169 aa
Protein length
~19 kDa
Molecular weight
4q13.3
Gene locus
EGF ligand
Protein family
Target information

What is Epiregulin (epiregulin)?

Epiregulin is a ligand of the EGF receptor (EGFR) and of the structurally related receptor tyrosine kinase ERBB4. By binding these receptors it stimulates their tyrosine phosphorylation, which is the first step in downstream signalling. Through this activity it contributes to inflammation, wound healing, tissue repair and oocyte maturation, acting by regulating angiogenesis and vascular remodelling and by stimulating cell proliferation.

The EREG gene encodes a precursor, listed in UniProt as proepiregulin, which is released as a secreted peptide hormone. The protein is found in the extracellular space and also at the cell membrane. HGNC places it in the EGF ligand family, and NCBI Gene describes it as a member of the epidermal growth factor family of proteins. Orthologues of the gene are named Ereg in both mouse and rat, so the target can be studied in common rodent models.

Because epiregulin signals through EGFR and ERBB4, it is relevant to researchers studying growth factor signalling, vascular biology and tissue regeneration. NCBI Gene also notes that the encoded protein may promote the progression of cancers in various human tissues, which makes it a topic of interest in cancer biology. Researchers working on epiregulin usually measure the protein and its expression in cell and tissue systems to relate it to receptor activation and proliferative responses.

EGFR family signalling

Epiregulin is a ligand of EGFR and ERBB4 and stimulates their tyrosine phosphorylation, making it a useful probe of receptor activation.

Wound healing and repair

Epiregulin contributes to wound healing and tissue repair by stimulating cell proliferation and regulating vascular remodelling.

Inflammation research

Epiregulin is implicated in inflammation, so it is studied in settings where growth factor signalling and immune responses intersect.

Cancer biology

The encoded protein may promote the progression of cancers in various human tissues, so it is examined in tumour signalling studies.

Background

Epiregulin frequently asked questions

What does epiregulin do?

Epiregulin is a ligand of EGFR and ERBB4 and stimulates the tyrosine phosphorylation of both receptors. It contributes to inflammation, wound healing, tissue repair and oocyte maturation by regulating angiogenesis and vascular remodelling and by stimulating cell proliferation.

What are the other names and forms of epiregulin?

The gene symbol is EREG, with ER listed as an alias. UniProt names the precursor proepiregulin. The protein is described as a secreted peptide hormone, and it is annotated in both the extracellular space and at the cell membrane.

Is epiregulin conserved in mouse and rat, and is it linked to disease?

Mouse and rat both carry an orthologous gene named Ereg. NCBI Gene reports that the encoded protein may promote the progression of cancers of various human tissues. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.

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Related targets

Other EGF family ligands, their ERBB receptors and related growth factor signalling targets with products at Assay Genie.

Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt O14944; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.

Epiregulin Product listing