Epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor α

This review describes the discovery and initial characterization of the epidermal growth factors (EGFs) and transforming growth factors alpha (TGF alpha), the biosynthesis and tissue distribution of these molecules and a brief description of the effects of these molecules in culture and animals. An analysis of the similarities between the EGFs and TGF alpha s from different organisms is used to describe the features of the molecules which appear to be critical for their function. The review concludes with a discussion of the relationship between the production of the EGF or TGF alpha to cancer induction and/or metastasis.