This gene encodes a growth factor that is a ligand for the epidermal growth factor receptor, which activates a signaling pathway for cell proliferation, differentiation and development. This protein may act as either a transmembrane-bound ligand or a soluble ligand. This gene has been associated with many types of cancers, and it may also be involved in some cases of cleft lip/palate. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2011],function:TGF alpha is a mitogenic polypeptide that is able to bind to the EGF receptor and to act synergistically with TGF beta to promote anchorage-independent cell proliferation in soft agar.,similarity:Contains 1 EGF-like domain.,subunit:Interacts with the PDZ domains of MAGI3, SDCBP and SNTA1. The interaction with SDCBP, is required for the targeting to the cell surface. In the endoplasmic reticulum, in its immature form (i.e. with a prosegment and lacking full N-glycosylation), interacts with CNIH. In the Golgi apparatus, may form a complex with CNIH and GORASP2.,
