This gene encodes a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family of proteins. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants, at least one of which encodes a preproprotein that is proteolytically processed to generate the secreted growth factor. A secreted form and a membrane-anchored form of this protein bind to multiple different EGF receptors. This protein promotes pancreatic cell proliferation and insulin secretion, as well as retinal vascular permeability. Mutations in this gene may be associated with type 2 diabetes in human patients. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2015],disease:Betacellulin from beta cells could play a role in the vascular complications associated with diabetes.,function:Potent mitogen for retinal pigment epithelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. The effects of betacellulin are probably mediated by the EGF receptor and other related receptors.,similarity:Contains 1 EGF-like domain.,subunit:Monomer.,tissue specificity:Synthesized in several tissues and tumor cells. Predominantly expressed in pancreas and small intestine.,
