背景资料：This gene encodes a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family of proteins. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants, at least one of which encodes a preproprotein that is proteolytically processed to generate the secreted growth factor. A secreted form and a membrane-anchored form of this protein bind to multiple different EGF receptors. This protein promotes pancreatic cell proliferation and insulin secretion, as well as retinal vascular permeability. Mutations in this gene may be associated with type 2 diabetes in human patients.