A Heparin-Binding Growth Factor Secreted by Macrophage-Like Cells That Is Related to EGF

• DOI: 10.1126/science.1840698
• Publication Date: 2006-10-05T18:10:16Z
• Authors: Shigeki Higashiyama; Judith A. Abraham; Judy Miller; John C. Fiddes; Michael Klagsbrun
• Keywords: 3T3 cells

Macrophage-like U-937 cells secrete a 22-kilodalton heparin-binding growth factor that is mitogenic for BALB-3T3 fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells, but not endothelial cells. The amino acid sequence predicted from complementary DNA clones indicates the mitogen new member of epidermal (EGF) family. This EGF-like (HB-EGF) binds to EGF receptors on A-431 epidermoid carcinoma far more potent than EGF. HB-EGF also expressed in cultured human macrophages may be involved macrophage-mediated cellular proliferation.