A protein made by many cells in the body and by some types of tumors. It causes cells to grow and differentiate (become more specialized). It is a type of growth factor and a type of cytokine. Also called epidermal growth factor. Found on http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary?expand=E
Synonym for epidermal growth factor ... <growth factor> A mitogenic polypeptide initially isolated from male mouse submaxillary gland. ... The name refers to the early bioassay, but epidermal growth factor is active on a variety of cell types, especially but not exclusively epithelial. Human equivalent originally named urogastrone owing to it... Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/20973
EGF: Epidermal growth factor. A polypeptide (small protein) that is a powerful mitogen. (It stimulates cells to enter mitosis, cell division. ) EGF promotes cell growth and differentiation, is essential in embryogenesis, and is important in wound healing. It is produced by many normal cell types and is made in large amounts by some tumors. The EGF ... Found on http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=32393