Epidermal growth factor receptor signaling in the kidney: key roles in physiology and disease.

Signaling through epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptors (ErbB receptors; EGFRs) is important for fundamental cellular functions, such as proliferation, migration, growth, and differentiation.1 In human biology, ErbB signaling is involved in normal growth and development, as well as in the initiation and progression of disease. Based on the aberrant expression in a variety of malignant tumors, ErbB family members have been recognized as targets in anticancer therapy and are now used in the treatment of breast and colon malignancies. Other than tumor biology, ErbB signaling is critically involved in renal electrolyte homeostasis. Moreover, ErbB family members are implicated in the development of end organ damage, as occurs in hypertension2 and atherosclerosis.3 Therefore, the therapeutic potential of targeting ErbB receptors and ErbB signaling pathways may go beyond the field of oncology. In this review, we report on the physiological and disease-related aspects of renal ErbB signaling, with attention to potential benefits and downsides of systemic ErbB inhibition in the healthy and diseased kidney.