protein_function: Growth factor that mediates its effects via EGFR, ERBB2and ERBB4. Required for normal cardiac valve formation and normalheart function. Promotes smooth muscle cell proliferation. May beinvolved in macrophage-mediated cellular proliferation. It ismitogenic for fibroblasts, but not endothelial cells. It is ableto bind EGF receptor,EGFR with higher affinity than EGF itself andis a far more potent mitogen for smooth muscle cells than EGF.Also acts as a diphtheria toxin receptor.
HBEGF(Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor), also known as HEGFL or DTR, is a member of the EGF family of proteins that in humans is encoded by the HBEGF gene. The HBEGF gene is assigned to chromosome 5, thus confirming the assignment of the gene on the basis of its role in relation to diphtheria toxin susceptibility. HB-EGF is an 87 amino acid glycoprotein which displays highly regulated gene expression. It has been shown to play a role in wound healing, cardiac hypertrophy and heart development and function. HB-EGF binding and activation of EGF receptors plays a critical role during cardiac valve tissue development and the maintenance of normal heart function in adults.
