Epiregulin (EREG)

Epiregulin is a secreted peptide hormone that is a member of the EGF family, which includes epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha, amphiregulin (ARG), HB (heparin-binding)-EGF, betacellulin, and various heregulins. It is expressed as a type I membrane pro-form, proepiregulin, and then cleaved to a 46 amino acid soluble form by disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM). As a ligand of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and most members of the ERBB family, epiregulin contributes to inflammation, tissue repair, wound healing, and oocyte maturation by regulating angiogenesis and vascular remodeling and by stimulating cell proliferation.