EGFR

EGFR Full Name

epidermal growth factor receptor

EGFR Introduction

EGFR, or epidermal growth factor receptor, is a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase belonging to the ErbB family that plays a central role in regulating cell growth, survival, and differentiation. Upon ligand binding—most commonly epidermal growth factor or transforming growth factor-α—EGFR undergoes dimerization and autophosphorylation of its intracellular kinase domain, initiating multiple downstream signaling pathways. The receptor is expressed in many epithelial tissues, where it maintains normal homeostasis but can become dysregulated through mutation, overexpression, or aberrant activation, leading to uncontrolled cellular proliferation.

Figure 1.Cytoplasmic/traditional and nuclear modes of the EGFR signalling pathway.(Sources: Lo HW, et al.; 2006)

Functionally, EGFR coordinates several key intracellular pathways, including the RAS–RAF–MEK–ERK cascade, the PI3K–AKT–mTOR pathway, and the JAK–STAT axis. These networks regulate essential biological processes such as cell cycle progression, apoptosis resistance, angiogenesis, and cell motility. EGFR also influences DNA repair capacity and epithelial–mesenchymal transition, contributing to cellular adaptability in both physiological and pathological contexts. Its tightly regulated activity ensures balanced tissue regeneration; however, sustained activation can amplify proliferative signals, enhance survival mechanisms, and foster a tumor-supportive microenvironment. Experimental models consistently demonstrate that EGFR dysregulation can drive malignant transformation and support the persistence of cancer stem-like cell populations.

Clinically, EGFR is one of the most extensively studied therapeutic targets in oncology. Genetic alterations such as exon 19 deletions, L858R substitution, and T790M or C797S resistance mutations are strongly associated with non-small cell lung cancer, while EGFR overexpression or amplification is common in colorectal, head and neck, and glioblastoma cancers. These changes correlate with disease progression, treatment resistance, and patient prognosis. EGFR inhibitors—including tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies—have transformed targeted cancer therapy, offering improved outcomes for selected patients. Beyond cancer, dysregulated EGFR signaling has been linked to fibrotic diseases, inflammatory skin disorders, and aberrant wound healing, reflecting the receptor's broad influence on cellular physiology and disease biology.

Alternate Names for EGFR

EGFR; epidermal growth factor receptor; ERBB; HER1; mENA; ERBB1; PIG61; OTTHUMP00000159661; OTTHUMP00000159662; OTTHUMP00000159663

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• 1. Lo HW, Hung MC. Nuclear EGFR signalling network in cancers: linking EGFR pathway to cell cycle progression, nitric oxide pathway and patient survival. Br J Cancer. 2006, 94(2):184-8.