Enables epidermal growth factor receptor binding activity; receptor ligand activity; and transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase activator activity. Involved in several processes, including ERBB2-EGFR signaling pathway; negative regulation of cholesterol efflux; and positive regulation of ubiquitin-dependent protein catabolic process. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including mammary gland alveolus development; positive regulation of cell population proliferation; and positive regulation of protein tyrosine kinase activity. Located in plasma membrane. Is active in extracellular space. Is expressed in several structures, including 1st branchial arch; alimentary system; brain; exocrine system; and genitourinary system. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in several diseases, including Zollinger-Ellison syndrome; hepatobiliary system cancer (multiple); high grade glioma (multiple); lung non-small cell carcinoma (multiple); and primary hypomagnesemia (multiple). Orthologous to human EGF (epidermal growth factor).
MGI Description
PHENOTYPE: Null mutants have normal phenotype. Females triply null, for this locus and the amphiregulin and transforming growth factor alpha genes, are unable to nurse due to impaired mammary gland development and show mild integument and digestive system anomalies. [provided by MGI curators]