AREG and cancer: For example, MCs-dependent adenosine production triggered by membranes of cancer cells generates an autocrine loop, in which the activation of A3 adenosine receptors lead to PI3K, Akt and ERK1/2 MAPK phosphorylation, promoting the synthesis of angiogenic and regulatory mediators, such as VEGF, IL-8, IL-6, and amphiregulin [181].