*4.2.7 EGFR*

Epidermal growth factor receptors are crucial regulators of β-cell proliferation and β-cell mass regulation. Partial tissue-specific attenuation of EGFR signaling in islets leads to significantly reduced beta-cell proliferation [136]. Phosphorylation of ribosomal S6 kinase, a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) target, is upregulated in islets from glucose and interleukin injected 6-month-old rats. β-cell mass expansion occurs in presence of chronic nutrient excess EGFR signaling, mTOR activation, and FOXM1-mediated cell proliferation [137].
