Growth factor

As growth factors proteins are referred to in cell biology, which are transmitted as signals from one cell to a second and thus pass on information. They regulate iS also a variety of intracellular processes of " signaling proteins " and in particular, play a role in the development of multicellular organisms. The signal transmission is usually via binding of the growth factor to a specific receptor in the cell membrane.

Family of growth factors

There are six major families of growth factors:

  • FGF family ( Fibroblast Growth Factor )
  • TGF- family (transforming growth factor)
  • Hedgehog
  • Wingless
  • Delta and Serrate
  • Ephrins

Growth factors are either secreted, ie emitted from cells in the area, or they are membrane bound. They work by being recognized by a receptor on the surface of the target cell. Only cells bearing the specific receptor for each growth factor ( the ligand) can respond to the signal. This receptor created upon binding to its ligand by the conformation inside the cell, a signal via signal transmission further to activation or deactivation of genes. A typical example of the mode of action of growth factors is angiogenesis.

Growth factors with different signal inductions

A plurality of growth factors having different signal inductions are known today. Examples are:

  • Fibroblast growth factor (FGF )
  • Transforming growth factor ( TGF)
  • Platelet Derived Growth Factor ( PDGF)
  • Epidermal growth factor ( epidermal growth factor, EGF)
  • Granulocyte - Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor ( GM-CSF )
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor ( VEGF)
  • Insulin-like growth factors ( insulin - like growth factors, IGF)
  • Hepatocyte Growth Factor ( HGF)
  • Interleukin -1B, -8 (IL -1B, IL -8)
  • Nerve growth factor nerve growth factor ( NGF)
  • Hematopoietic growth factors: erythropoietin and colony-stimulating factors such as G -CSF

Hematopoietic growth factors

Hematopoietic growth factors such as erythropoietin, or granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G -CSF) are glycoprotein hormones that regulate the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells and the function of mature blood cells.

Wnt signaling pathway Ephrin receptor
283091
de