Insights into the physiology of TGF alpha and signaling through the EGF receptor revealed by gene targeting and acts of nature.

Abstract

Transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha) is one of a group of structurally-related growth factors (the epidermal growth factor family of ligands) that interact with one or other members of the epidermal growth factor family of protein tyrosine kinase receptors (EGF-R's). A number of excellent reviews detailing our knowledge of this area have been recently published (Carpenter and Wahl, 1991; Derynck, 1992; Prigent and Lemoine, 1992). Rather than add to their number, this review focuses on new insights into the importance of TGF alpha and signaling through the EGF receptor considered in the context of the laboratory mouse. The new information has emerged from analysis of mutant mice gener..