EGFR

Function

Receptor tyrosine kinase binding ligands of the EGF family and activating several signaling cascades to convert extracellular cues into appropriate cellular responses (PubMed:8404850). Known ligands include EGF, TGFA/TGF-alpha, AREG, epigen/EPGN, BTC/betacellulin, epiregulin/EREG and HBEGF/heparin-binding EGF. Ligand binding triggers receptor homo- and/or heterodimerization and autophosphorylation on key cytoplasmic residues. The phosphorylated receptor recruits adapter proteins like GRB2 which in turn activates complex downstream signaling cascades. Activates at least 4 major downstream signaling cascades including the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK, PI3 kinase-AKT, PLCgamma-PKC and STATs modules. May also activate the NF-kappa-B signaling cascade. Also directly phosphorylates other proteins like RGS16, activating its GTPase activity and probably coupling the EGF receptor signaling to the G protein-coupled receptor signaling. Also phosphorylates MUC1 and increases its interaction with SRC and CTNNB1/beta-catenin (By similarity). Positively regulates cell migration via interaction with CCDC88A/GIV which retains EGFR at the cell membrane following ligand stimulation, promoting EGFR signaling which triggers cell migration (By similarity). Plays a role in enhancing learning and memory performance (PubMed:20639532).

Post-translational modifications

Monoubiquitinated and polyubiquitinated upon EGF stimulation; which does not affect tyrosine kinase activity or signaling capacity but may play a role in lysosomal targeting. Polyubiquitin linkage is mainly through 'Lys-63', but linkage through 'Lys-48', 'Lys-11' and 'Lys-29' also occurs. Deubiquitinated by OTUD7B, preventing degradation (By similarity). Ubiquitinated by RNF115 and RNF126.

Phosphorylated on Tyr residues in response to EGF. Phosphorylation at Ser-697 is partial and occurs only if Thr-695 is phosphorylated. Phosphorylation at Thr-680 and Thr-695 by PRKD1 inhibits EGF-induced MAPK8/JNK1 activation. Dephosphorylation by PTPRJ prevents endocytosis and stabilizes the receptor at the plasma membrane. Autophosphorylation at Tyr-1199 is stimulated by methylation at Arg-1199 and enhances interaction with PTPN6. Autophosphorylation at Tyr-1092 and/or Tyr-1110 recruits STAT3. Dephosphorylated by PTPN1 and PTPN2.

Palmitoylated on Cys residues by ZDHHC20. Palmitoylation inhibits internalization after ligand binding, and increases the persistence of tyrosine-phosphorylated EGFR at the cell membrane. Palmitoylation increases the amplitude and duration of EGFR signaling.

Methylated. Methylation at Arg-1199 by PRMT5 stimulates phosphorylation at Tyr-1197.

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. Tyr protein kinase family. EGF receptor subfamily.

Cellular localization

• Cell membrane
• Single-pass type I membrane protein
• Endoplasmic reticulum membrane
• Single-pass type I membrane protein
• Golgi apparatus membrane
• Single-pass type I membrane protein
• Nucleus membrane
• Single-pass type I membrane protein
• Endosome
• Endosome membrane
• Nucleus
• In response to EGF, translocated from the cell membrane to the nucleus via Golgi and ER. Endocytosed upon activation by ligand. Colocalized with GPER1 in the nucleus of estrogen agonist-induced cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF).

Alternative names

• Epidermal growth factor receptor
• Egfr

Database links

• entrezGene:13649
• swissprot:Q01279

Target type

Proteins

Primary research area

Oncology

Other research areas

• Immuno-oncology

Molecular weight

134853Da