NRG1

NRG1 is part of the epidermal growth factor family, which activates vital signaling pathways like PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK upon interaction with ErbB receptors. This activation is essential for cell proliferation, differentiation, preventing apoptosis, and regulating energy metabolism, as well as promoting angiogenesis. The protein's expression and functionality are implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neuropsychiatric disorders. In oncology, NRG1 gene fusions are increasingly recognized as drivers in the progression of specific cancers, such as non-small cell lung cancer, kidney cancer, and thyroid cancer. In cardiovascular health, the NRG1/ErbB signaling is critical for heart development, myocardial cell growth, and differentiation, and for the formation of the cardiac conduction system, providing myocardial cell protection in both acute and chronic conditions. Thus, NRG1 is considered a promising target for therapeutic intervention in these diseases.