Secreted EGF is a growth factor derived from a membrane-anchored precursor. It is characterized by the presence of a conserved 6 cysteine motif in the extracellular domain which forms 3 disulfide bonds. The precursor transmembrane protein is ~130kDA in size. Both the membrane bound and soluble forms are biologically active and exhert their effects on the EGF tyrosine kinase receptor.

Biological effects of EGF administration include proliferation and differentiation of mesenchyman and epithelial cells. It is a mitogen promoting colony formation of endothelial, epithelial, and fibroblast cells. It is also known to promote angiogenesis in vivo.