This gene encodes a secreted peptide hormone and member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family of proteins. The encoded protein is a ligand of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the structurally related erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 4 (ERBB4). The encoded protein may be involved in a wide range of biological processes including inflammation, wound healing, oocyte maturation, and cell proliferation. Additionally, the encoded protein may promote the progression of cancers of various human tissues. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2015],function:May be a mediator of localized cell proliferation. As a mitogen it may stimulate cell proliferation and/or angiogenesis.,similarity:Contains 1 EGF-like domain.,tissue specificity:In normal adults, expressed predominantly in the placenta and peripheral blood leukocytes. High levels were detected in carcinomas of the bladder, lung, kidney and colon.,
