epidermal growth factor n a polypeptide hormone that stimulates cell proliferation esp. of epithelial cells by binding to receptor proteins on the cell surface abbr. EGF
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(EGF) a mitogenic polypeptide originally extracted from the submandibular glands of male mice; it is produced by many cell types and is made in large amounts by some tumors. It promotes growth and differentiation, is essential in embryogenesis, and is also important in wound healing. It has been found to be part of a family of compounds that includes human epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factors, and amphiregulin.Medical dictionary. 2011.