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growth factor

Growth factors are naturally occurring proteins that regulate various cellular processes, primarily promoting cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. These signaling molecules play critical roles in embryonic development, tissue repair, and maintenance of various tissues and organs in the body. Growth factors can stimulate or inhibit cellular activities, depending on the context and the specific types of cells involved.

Here are some key points about growth factors:

1. Cellular Signaling: Growth factors transmit signals between cells, either locally (autocrine and paracrine signaling) or systemically (endocrine signaling). They bind to specific receptors on the cell surface, initiating a cascade of intracellular events.

2. Cell Growth and Proliferation: One of the primary functions of growth factors is to promote the growth and division of cells. They can stimulate cell cycle progression, leading to increased cell numbers.

3. Differentiation: Growth factors are crucial for guiding undifferentiated cells (stem cells) to become specialized cell types. They help determine cell fate during development and tissue repair.

4. Tissue Repair and Regeneration: After injury or damage, growth factors play a key role in tissue repair and regeneration. They promote the migration of cells to the site of injury and stimulate their proliferation to replace damaged tissue.

5. Hematopoiesis: Specific growth factors, such as erythropoietin (EPO) and thrombopoietin (TPO), regulate the production of blood cells in the bone marrow. EPO, for example, stimulates the production of red blood cells in response to low oxygen levels.

6. Immune Response: Certain growth factors, like colony-stimulating factors (CSFs), are involved in regulating and enhancing the immune system. They promote the differentiation and proliferation of immune cells, such as white blood cells, to enhance the body's defense against infections.

7. Cancer: Dysregulation of growth factor signaling pathways can contribute to the development of cancer. Some cancer cells exhibit aberrant production of growth factors or have mutations in their receptors, leading to uncontrolled cell growth.

8. Therapeutic Applications: Growth factors have therapeutic potential. They are used in regenerative medicine, wound healing, and treatments for conditions like growth hormone deficiencies and certain types of anemia.

Examples of growth factors include epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Each growth factor has specific functions selectively targets distinct cell types, contributing to the complex regulation of cell behavior in the body.

Related Services:

• GenScript offer Stem Cell Cytokines & Growth Factors and Recombinant Growth Factors

• Related Publications:

Recurrent deletions in clonal hematopoiesis are driven by microhomology-mediated end joining (genscript.com)

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