Figure 2.

Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor–like growth factor (HB-EGF) as a mediator of organ repair and regeneration. HB-EGF signaling produces different responses in different organ systems and plays an important role in promoting repair and regeneration after organ injuries. HB-EGF in skin promotes epidermal cell migration and secretion of matrix proteins and in liver promotes hepatocyte survival and proliferation in a paracrine manner. In the intestine, HB-EGF strengthens anastomoses and promotes survival after ischemia, whereas in the brain, it promotes neurogenesis and angiogenesis after injury. HB-EGF modulates immune response and alveolar repair after injury in the liver. HB-EGF promotes reperfusion in the kidney after injury and stimulates proliferation in the urothelium.