Description
EPGN, also known as epigen isoform 1, is a novel member of the epidermal growth factor superfamily. It is the last ligand of ErbB receptors and reveals intricate relationships between affinity and mitogenicity. It stimulated the proliferation of HaCaT cells, and this proliferation was blocked by an antibody to the extracellular domain of the receptor tyrosine kinase c-erbB-1. It also may constitute a novel molecular target for wound-healing therapy with its ability to promote the growth of epithelial cells. It has been reported to have high mitogenic activity but low affinity for its receptor. It has been reported in cancer specimens of the breast, bladder, and prostate. Recombinant human EPGN, fused to His-tag at C-terminus, was expressed in insect cell and purified by using conventional chromatography techniques