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Betacellulin, also known as the BTC protein, is encoded in humans by the BTC gene in region 4q13.3 on chromosome 4. The protein encoded by the gene is a member of the EGF family of growth factors. It is synthesized primarily as a transmembrane precursor and processed into mature molecules by proteolysis. This protein is a ligand of the EGF receptor and binds to EGFR, ERBB4, and other members of the EGF receptor family. It is also an effective mitogen for retinal pigment epithelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. Data suggest that BTC effectively promotes angiogenesis through EGF receptor activation in endothelial cells, mitogen-activated protein kinases, and phosphatidylinositol 3' kinase/protein kinase.