TGF-alpha, Human

Transforming Growth Factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) , also known as sarcoma growth factor, TGF-type I and ETGF, is a member of the EGF family of cytokines. It is expressed in monocytes, brain cells, keratinocytes and various tumor cells. TGF-alpha signals through EGFR and acts synergistically with TGF-beta to promote the proliferation of a wide range of epidermal and epithelial cells. TGF-alpha is a transforming growth factor that is a ligand for the epidermal growth factor receptor, which activates a signaling pathway for cell proliferation, differentiation and development. This protein may act as either a transmembrane-bound ligand or a soluble ligand. The biological actions of TGF-alpha and EGF are similar. For instance, TGF-alpha and EGF bind to the same receptor. When TGF-alpha binds to EGFR it can initiate multiple cell proliferation events.