Egf, or Epidermal Growth Factor, is a crucial protein that binds to and activates the EGF receptor (EGFR/ErbB1), playing a significant role in multiple biological processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and homeostasis [2,3,5,6,7,8]. It is involved in various signaling pathways, including the cAMP-PKA-JNK/ERK-Ca2+-FOXO1 pathway in granulosa cells, and the EGF/EGFR-ERK1/2 pathway in liver fibrosis [1,7]. Genetic models, especially KO/CKO mouse models, are valuable tools to study its function.

In polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), abundant HB-EGF (a member of the EGF family) in follicular fluid from PCOS women binds to EGFR, inducing granulosa cells to produce more estrogen via CYP19A1 expression elevation. This occurs through the cAMP-PKA-JNK/ERK-Ca2+-FOXO1 pathway, ultimately leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and granulosa cell apoptosis [1]. In advanced non-small cell lung cancer, the CIMAvax-EGF vaccine, which induces antibodies against EGF, has shown to increase overall survival in patients with high baseline EGF concentration, suggesting EGF's role in tumor growth [2,3]. In skin wound healing, EGF-modified curcumin/chitosan nano-spray promotes wound healing, demonstrating EGF's beneficial effect on tissue repair [4]. In the context of biliary atresia, EGF is overexpressed and aggravates liver fibrosis through the EGF/EGFR-ERK1/2 pathway, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target [7].

In conclusion, Egf plays essential roles in multiple biological processes and disease conditions. Studies using mouse models and other experimental approaches have revealed its significance in PCOS, lung cancer, wound healing, and liver fibrosis. Understanding Egf's functions provides insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies for these diseases.

References:

1. Huang, Ji-Cheng, Duan, Cui-Cui, Jin, Shan, Yue, Zhan-Peng, Guo, Bin. 2022. HB-EGF induces mitochondrial dysfunction via estrogen hypersecretion in granulosa cells dependent on cAMP-PKA-JNK/ERK-Ca2+-FOXO1 pathway. In International journal of biological sciences, 18, 2047-2059. doi:10.7150/ijbs.69343. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35342363/

2. Saavedra, Danay, Crombet, Tania. 2017. CIMAvax-EGF: A New Therapeutic Vaccine for Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients. In Frontiers in immunology, 8, 269. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2017.00269. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28348561/

3. Crombet Ramos, Tania, Santos Morales, Orestes, Dy, Grace K, León Monzón, Kalet, Lage Dávila, Agustín. 2021. The Position of EGF Deprivation in the Management of Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. In Frontiers in oncology, 11, 639745. doi:10.3389/fonc.2021.639745. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34211836/

4. Li, Yue, Leng, QingQing, Pang, XianLun, Zhou, Ping, Fu, ShaoZhi. 2021. Therapeutic effects of EGF-modified curcumin/chitosan nano-spray on wound healing. In Regenerative biomaterials, 8, rbab009. doi:10.1093/rb/rbab009. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33738123/

5. Iwamoto, Ryo, Mekada, Eisuke. . ErbB and HB-EGF signaling in heart development and function. In Cell structure and function, 31, 1-14. doi:. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16508205/

6. Shao, Hanshuang, Wells, Alan. 2021. Binding of alpha-ACTN4 to EGF receptor enables its rapid phosphorylation. In Heliyon, 7, e06011. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06011. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33532643/

7. Zheng, Qipeng, Li, Mengdi, Chen, Lingzhi, Yang, Fang, Zhan, Jianghua. 2023. Potential therapeutic target of EGF on bile duct ligation model and biliary atresia children. In Pediatric research, 94, 1297-1307. doi:10.1038/s41390-023-02592-4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37138025/

8. Maruo, T, Matsuo, H, Otani, T, Mochizuki, M. . Role of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor in the development of the human placenta. In Reproduction, fertility, and development, 7, 1465-70. doi:. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8743148/