The role of the EGF family of ligands and receptors in renal development, physiology and pathophysiology

Mammalian kidney expresses all of the members of the ErbB family of receptors and their respective ligands. Studies support a role for ErbB family receptor activation in kidney development and differentiation. Under physiologic conditions, EGFR activation appears to play an important role in the regulation of renal hemodynamics and electrolyte handling by the kidney, while in different pathophysiologic states, EGFR activation may mediate either beneficial or detrimental effects to the kidney. This article provides an overview of the expression profile of the ErbB family of ligands and receptors in the mammalian kidney and summarizes known physiological and pathophysiological roles of EGFR activation in the organ.