Epidermal growth factor (EGF), a founding member of the EGF-family of proteins is a 6 kilodalton protein belonging to the EGF-protein family. EGF binds to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and stimulates cell growth and differentiation . In humans, this protein is made of 53 amino acid residues and its tertiary structure is held together by 3 intramolecular disulfide bonds. Researchers first identified EGF in human urine and mice submaxillary glands as a secreted protein. Since then, EGF has been found in tears, saliva, milk, plasma, and tissues, including the parotid gland and submandibular gland-urogastrone or its trade name Heberprot-P.
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) was the first growth factor to be discovered. EGF is identical to urogastrone (originally isolated from urine), which was shown to inhibit gastric acid secretion and promote healing of gastric ulcers.
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We detect epidermal growth factors in human plasma, serum, and cell culture supernatants using MSD, ELISA, and Luminex assays. Following, is a quantitative, colorimetric, sandwich-based ELISA for assaying EGF in biological samples.
We begin the EGF test with 100 μl of sample or standard in each well precoated with a capture antibody against EGF and incubate it for 2.5hrs at room temperature (RT) or overnight at 4℃. We then introduce a biotinylated detection antibody and incubate it for 1hr at RT. Then 100 μl streptavidin-conjugated HRP is added to each well and incubated for 45 mins at RT. We then add 100 μl of TMB One-Step substrate reagent and incubate it for 30 mins at RT. Lastly, 50 μl of stop solution is added and read at 450nm.
This ELISA assay has a detection range of 1 pg/ml – 200 pg/ml and a sensitivity of 1 pg/ml. The EGF growth factor assay is highly precise, with an inter-assay precision of <12% and intra-assay precision of <10%.
EGF plays a significant role in wound healing and dermal regeneration. It stimulates the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and keratinocytes at the injury site.. Researchers use recombinant human-EGF, commonly known by its trade name Heberprot-P when conducting EGF ELISA assays for diseases such as diabetic foot ulcers. As EGF increases extracellular matrix mineralization, it can osteogenically differentiate dental pulp stem cells. Low levels of EGF sufficiently induce phenotypical and morphological changes. Therefore, studies suggest that epidermal growth factor combined with dental pulp stem cells can work together as a stem cell-based therapy in bone tissue engineering.
Recent technological advancements in gel formulation have opened doors to several innovative products with increased bioactivity, stability, and molecular release. This improvement directly influences the effectiveness of EGF function and in enhancing and promoting treatments for causes such as chronic wound healing. Early clinical trials show EGF’s efficacy in reducing healing times and increasing epithelialization in venous ulcers, skin grafts, and diabetic foot ulcers. Further advancement in polymer therapeutics will only skyrocket the development of novel EGF topical use in treating chronic and acute wounds.
Here are some resources for you to read further on the EGF:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/epidermal-growth-factor
https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/epidermal-growth-factor-receptor
https://pdb101.rcsb.org/motm/126
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Epidermal growth factor binds with high affinity to the EGFR on cell surfaces and promotes cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. EGF/EGFR binding facilitates ligand-induced receptor dimerization that consecutively activates the protein-tyrosine kinase activity. This activity further stimulates an intrinsic signal transduction cascade, resulting in various biochemical reactions. These include increased protein synthesis, glycolysis, increased intracellular calcium levels, and a rise in specific key regulating genes, which together lead to cell proliferation and DNA synthesis.
Salivary-secreted EGF plays a crucial role in assessing and regulating the integrity of the gastric and oro-esophageal tissues. Salivary EGF has a wide range of biological effects on the body. It stimulates DNA synthesis, inhibits gastric acid secretion, and heals gastroesophageal and oral ulcers. One of the functions of the epidermal growth factor is to protect the mucosa from factors such as pepsin, bile acids, gastric acids, and several physical, chemical, and bacterial agents.