Enables receptor ligand activity and transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase activator activity. Involved in epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including mammary gland development; positive regulation of peptidyl-tyrosine phosphorylation; and response to estradiol. Located in cytoplasm and nucleus. Is active in extracellular space. Is expressed in several structures, including alimentary system; heart; lung; metanephros; and submandibular gland primordium. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in breast cancer. Orthologous to human AREG (amphiregulin).
MGI Description
PHENOTYPE: Homozygotes for a targeted null mutation exhibit impaired development of mammary gland ducts in pubescent females. Mutant ducts show retarded elongation with few terminal end buds. [provided by MGI curators]