epidermal growth factor receptor

Definition / meaning of epidermal growth factor receptor

The protein found on the surface of some cells and to which epidermal growth factor binds, causing the cells to divide. It is found at abnormally high levels on the surface of many types of cancer cells, so these cells may divide excessively in the presence of epidermal growth factor. Also called EGFR, ErbB1, and HER1.

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Source(s):

The Web site of the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/)

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