Function
EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that binds to ligands of the EGF family, triggering a cascade of signaling pathways to transduce extracellular cues into appropriate cellular responses. Known ligands include EGF, TGFA (TGF-alpha), AREG, epigen/EPGN, BTC (betacellulin), epiregulin/EREG, and HBEGF (heparin-binding EGF). Upon ligand binding, the receptor undergoes homo- and/or heterodimerization, leading to autophosphorylation on key cytoplasmic residues. These phosphorylated residues serve as docking sites for adapter proteins such as GRB2, initiating the activation of complex downstream signaling cascades. EGFR activates at least four major signaling pathways: the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK, PI3 kinase-AKT, PLCgamma-PKC, and STATs modules. It may also activate the NF-kappa-B signaling cascade. EGFR directly phosphorylates other proteins, such as RGS16, stimulating its GTPase activity and potentially coupling EGFR signaling to G protein-coupled receptor signaling. EGFR also phosphorylates MUC1, enhancing its interaction with SRC and CTNNB1 (beta-catenin). EGFR positively regulates cell migration by interacting with CCDC88A (GIV), which retains EGFR at the cell membrane following ligand stimulation, promoting EGFR signaling and triggering cell migration. EGFR plays a role in enhancing learning and memory performance. Isoform 2 of EGFR may act as an antagonist of EGF action. In the context of microbial infection, EGFR acts as a receptor for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in hepatocytes, facilitating viral entry. EGFR mediates HCV entry by promoting the formation of CD81-CLDN1 receptor complexes, which are essential for HCV entry, and by enhancing membrane fusion of cells expressing HCV envelope glycoproteins.