HB-EGF ELISA

HB-EGF (Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor) is a growth factor belonging to the EGF family. It is a ligand for receptor tyrosine kinases the ErbB family, such as EGF receptor, ErbB2 and ErbB4. (Pro)HB-EGF is cleaved into 3 different forms: the transmembrane form Proheparin-binding EGF-liek Growth Factor (proHB-EGF), a soluble form of HB-EGF (sHB-EGF), which has been cleaved by proteases at the cell surface and a C terminal fragment (HB-EGF-CTF), which remains in the cell membrane after cleavage. All these forms of (Pro)HB-EGF have different physiological activities. HB-EGF is expressed in various cell types such as epidermal cells, cardiac myocytes, vascular endothelial cells, smooth muscle myocytes and macrophages. Secreted HB-EGF in blood is involved in cell proliferation, differentiation and inflammatory reactions. Besides having important roles in cell growth, migration and proliferation it is also known as a diphteria toxin receptor. In recent years, it has attracted attention as a drug target as it has been shown that over-expression of HB-EGF is essential for cancer invasion and metastasis. This ELISA measures human HB-EGF form containing the propeptide. This product is for research use only and not for clinical diagnostic procedures.