TGF alpha Recombinant Rabbit Monoclonal Antibody [JB58-36]

Function

Transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-α) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TGFA gene. As a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family, TGF-α is a mitogenic polypeptide. The protein becomes activated when binding to receptors capable of protein kinase activity for cellular signaling. TGF-α is a transforming growth factor that is a ligand for the epidermal growth factor receptor, which activates a signaling pathway for cell proliferation, differentiation and development. This protein may act as either a transmembrane-bound ligand or a soluble ligand. This gene has been associated with many types of cancers, and it may also be involved in some cases of cleft lip/palate. TGF-α can be produced in macrophages, brain cells, and keratinocytes. TGF-α induces epithelial development. Considering that TGF-α is a member of the EGF family, the biological actions of TGF-α and EGF are similar. For instance, TGF-α and EGF bind to the same receptor. When TGF-α binds to EGFR it can initiate multiple cell proliferation events. Cell proliferation events that involve TGF-α bound to EGFR include wound healing and embryogenesis.

Background References

1. Xu X et al. Human keratinocytes and tumor-derived cell lines express alternatively spliced forms of transforming growth factor-alpha mRNA, encoding precursors lacking carboxyl-terminal valine residues. Oncogene 18:5554-5562 (1999).

2. Fernandez-Larrea J et al. A role for a PDZ protein in the early secretory pathway for the targeting of proTGF-alpha to the cell surface. Mol Cell 3:423-433 (1999).

Tissue Specificity

Isoform 1, isoform 3 and isoform 4 are expressed in keratinocytes and tumor-derived cell lines.

Subcellular Location

Plasma membrane. Extracellular region. Secreted.

UNIPROT

SwissProt: P01135 Human

Synonyms