epidermal growth factor binding

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Binding to epidermal growth factor. [GOC:dgh]

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) binding is a fundamental process in cell signaling, mediating crucial cellular responses like proliferation, differentiation, and survival. EGF, a small polypeptide growth factor, binds to its cognate receptor, the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor. This binding event triggers a cascade of intracellular signaling events. Upon EGF binding, EGFR undergoes dimerization, a process where two EGFR molecules come together. Dimerization activates the intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity of EGFR, which phosphorylates specific tyrosine residues on the receptor itself and on downstream signaling proteins. Phosphorylated EGFR serves as a docking site for adaptor proteins, including Grb2 and Shc, which recruit the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Sos. Sos activates the small GTPase Ras, leading to the activation of the MAP kinase pathway. This pathway ultimately results in the transcription of genes involved in cell growth, proliferation, and survival. In addition to the MAP kinase pathway, EGF binding also activates the PI3K/AKT pathway, which promotes cell survival and inhibits apoptosis. This pathway is activated by EGFR-mediated phosphorylation of the lipid kinase PI3K, which generates PIP3. PIP3 activates AKT, a serine/threonine kinase, leading to phosphorylation of downstream targets involved in cell survival and growth. In summary, epidermal growth factor binding to its receptor triggers a complex cascade of intracellular signaling events, ultimately leading to a wide range of cellular responses essential for normal development and tissue homeostasis.'
"

Proteins (1)

Compounds (428)