About EGFR
The EGFR gene encodes the epidermal growth factor receptor, a cell-surface protein that binds growth factors of the EGF family and, upon activation, dimerizes and triggers signaling pathways that drive cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. EGFR is an oncogene: normally expressed at low levels in adult tissues, it becomes hyperactivated through mutation or gene amplification in many cancer types, including lung, brain, colorectal, and head and neck cancers. In non-small cell lung cancer, such activation can make tumors responsive to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor drugs, although resistance can develop during treatment. EGFR has also been implicated in the excessive inflammatory response (cytokine storm) associated with severe COVID-19.