AREG
Description
The AREG (amphiregulin) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 4.
Amphiregulin, also known as AREG, is a protein produced as a transmembrane glycoprotein containing 252 amino acids. It is encoded by the AREG gene in humans. AREG belongs to the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family and plays a crucial role as an autocrine growth factor, promoting the growth of astrocytes, Schwann cells, and fibroblasts. It acts as a ligand for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and is related to transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha). This interaction with EGFR stimulates the growth of normal epithelial cells. AREG is essential for the development of mammary glands, specifically in estrogen action and ductal growth. Amphiregulin knockout mice exhibit an absence of ductal growth, similar to the phenotype observed in EGFR and ERα knockout mice. AREG expression is found in various parts of the body, including the ovaries, placenta, pancreas, breasts, lungs, and spleen.
Amphiregulin (AREG) acts as a ligand for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), functioning as both an autocrine growth factor and a mitogen. It stimulates the growth and proliferation of a diverse range of cell types, including astrocytes, Schwann cells, and fibroblasts.
AREG is also known as AR, AREGB, CRDGF, SDGF.
