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EGF receptor activities in mammalian development
Author(s) -
Adamson Eileen D.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
molecular reproduction and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.745
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1098-2795
pISSN - 1040-452X
DOI - 10.1002/mrd.1080270106
Subject(s) - biology , epidermal growth factor , paracrine signalling , receptor , autocrine signalling , microbiology and biotechnology , blastocyst , transforming growth factor , endocrinology , tgf alpha , medicine , stimulation , embryo , embryogenesis , genetics
The receptor for epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its analog transforming growth factor alpha (TGFα) is ubiquitous, implying quite general roles for EGF/TGFα in cell viability and tissue maintenance in adult tissues. There is also evidence that the EGF receptor is active in promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration in adult organs, such as skin, liver, and intestinal epithelium. It is likely that EGF receptors have more specific roles during the gestation period. For example, we have detected EGF receptors on the 3.5‐day blastocyst (trophectoderm) surface and since TGFα‐like mRNA sequences and peptides have been detected at this time (Rappolee et al., Science 241:1823, 1988), there is a strong implication for autocrine stimulation in pre‐ and peri‐implantation stage embryos. Paracrine stimulation between the embryo and maternal tissues is also likely since both receptors and TGFα are present in decidual cells. Therefore EGF receptors may take part in growth regulation of the early embryo and in the process of implantation. Other examples where EGF receptors may play specific roles during embryonic development are discussed.