Gene Symbol | Btc |
Entrez Gene ID | 12223 |
Full Name | betacellulin, epidermal growth factor family member |
Synonyms | Bcn |
General protein information |
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Gene Type | protein-coding |
Organism | Mus musculus(house mouse) |
Genome | |
Summary | This gene encodes a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family. These growth factors are ligands for the EGFR/ErbB receptor tyrosine kinases, and play roles in cell growth and differentiation. The encoded protein is synthesized as a transmembrane precursor that is proteolytically cleaved to generate a mature peptide, and plays a role in the differentiation of pancreatic beta cells. This gene may also play a protective role in acute pancreatitis, whereas increased expression of this gene may contribute to diabetic macular edema. Gene therapy using combinations of this gene and other pancreas-specific transcription factors may induce islet neogenesis and remediate hyperglycemia in type 1 diabetes. [provided by RefSeq, Apr 2011]. |