Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF)

Solid phase sandwich ELISA for the determination Human HB-EGF in serum, EDTA plasma, Urine, CSF and cell culture supernatant. For research use only, not for use in diagnostic procedures. <br><br>

HB-EGF (Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor) is a growth factor which belongs to EGF family, and it is a ligand of a receptor tyrosine kinase of ErbB family such as EGF receptor and ErbB4. HB-EGF exists as 3 types of form and the forms are transmembrane (proHB-EGF), soluble HB-EGF (sHB-EGF) which has been cleaved by protease at surface of cells and C terminal fragment (HB-EGF-CTF) which is remained at cell membrane after it has been cleaved. These forms of HB-EGF have different physiological activities. HB-EGF expresses in various cells such as epidermal cells, cardiac myocyte, vascular endothelial cells, smooth myocyte and macrophage. HB-EGF which is secreted in blood involves with cells proliferation, differentiation and inflammatory reaction. It has important roles not only maintaining of physiological functions especially in morphogenesis of the development and in pathogenesis. In recent years, it attracts attentions as a drug target of molecularly targeted drugs because it has been reported that over-expression of HB-EGF is essential for cancer invasion and metastasis. Human HB-EGF form which contains pro-region can be quantitatively measured by this ELISA kit.