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EGF Receptor
A protein embedded in the surface of the membranes of
skin cells. The receptor consisting of (1) an outside
(of the cell membrane) enzyme that recognizes
epidermal growth factor (EGF) and binds to it, and (2)
an enzyme on the inside of the cell membrane, which is
of the tyrosine kinase class. When free EGF comes in
contact with an EGF receptor, they bind (in a
lock-and-key fashion), and then enter the cell (through
the cell membrane) together (where EGF then stimulates
growth/division of cell via ras protein and ras gene). The EGF receptor (and receptors in general) is like a butler who allows the EGF (a guest) to enter the cell (home).
EGF receptor is also (over)expressed in the plasma membranes of the cells of some tumors in colorectal cancer, head and neck cancers, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and some other cancers.
Scientists discovered via gene expression analysis that humans of Asian ancestry are more likely to express the particular mutation of the gene for epidermal growth factor receptor that can result in lung cancer.
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