Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (erbB, EGFR, EC=2.7.10.1, ERBB, ERBB1, MENA)

The receptor for Epidermal Growth Factor is an integral cell membrane protein of 170kD, which spans the membranes of a wide range of normal and malignant epithelial cells. It is a tyrosine-specific protein kinase with the capacity to phosphorylate tyrosine residues located near its carboxy-terminus. EGF-R has an extracellular region which binds EGF and consequently mediates the initial response of cells to EGF and an intra- cellular region which posseses the tyrosine kinase activity. As a result of EGF binding to its specific receptor, there is increased DNA synthesis as well as other events such as cell proliferation, differentiation and repair of damaged epithelial tissue. The EGF-R has a half-life of approximately 10 hours in human fibroblasts, but in the presence of EGF this value is reduced to about 1 hour. A close similarity has been found between the sequence of the v-erb-B oncogene and the cytoplasmic and transmembrane part of the EGF-R (truncated EGF-R). It is hypothesized that an inappropriate activation of the human erb-B gene either by truncation or overexpression plays a role in the development of the malignancy. This hypothesis is supported by studies which have shown an increased number of EGF-R in various malignant tumors. High levels of EGF-R have been identified in sarcomas, gliomas, gynecological, breast, bladder and lung tumors. Cellular Localization: Cell Membrane and Secreted Applications: Suitable for use in IA, ELISA, Western Blot and Immunoprecipitation. Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilution: Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Storage and Stability: May be stored at 4 degrees C for short-term only. For long-term storage and to avoid repeated freezing and thawing, aliquot Store at -20 degrees C. Aliquots are stable for at least 12 months at -20 degrees C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.