Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is a member of the protein kinase superfamily. EGFR ligand binding induces homodimerization, as well as heterodimerization of EGFR with ErbB2 or with ligand-activated ErbB3 or ErbB4. Dimerization results in kinase activation, phosphorylation, and cell signaling, mediated primarily through MEK/ERF and AKT pathways. EGFR signaling has been shown to regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, motility, and apoptosis. Elevated levels of EGFR have been correlated with carcinogenesis.
