Amphiregulin in Fibrotic Diseases and Cancer

Amphiregulin (AREG) is a significant mediator in fibrotic diseases and cancer, primarily through its activation of EGFR signaling pathways, which contribute to fibrosis and tumor progression. Elevated AREG expression is associated with disease severity in organs like the lungs, kidneys, liver, and heart. Targeting AREG has shown promising antifibrotic and anticancer effects, enhancing chemotherapy efficacy in fibrotic tumor microenvironments. Strategies such as SAMiRNA-AREG and AREG-neutralizing antibodies have demonstrated specificity and safety in preclinical and early clinical trials. AREG's role as a therapeutic target and biomarker offers potential for precision medicine, with ongoing research focusing on novel therapeutic strategies to improve outcomes in fibrotic and malignant diseases.