Translations:Czynniki wzrostu/1/en

Definition

Growth factors are a heterogeneous group of proteins which through specific binding of transmembrane receptors facilitate interactions between mesenchymal and epithelial cells and regulate many aspects of cellular function, such as survival, proliferation, migration and differentiation. Growth factors are essential for tissue development in the fetal period and for the maintenance of homeostasis in the adult body. The lack of growth factors increases apoptosis. Biologically active growth factors are produced by many types of cells residing in tissues, including mesenchymal stem cells. Depending on type and localization, they play a role in many biological processes, including determination of cell fate, mucosal morphogenesis and regeneration, epithelial turnover, establishing proper neuronal connectivity, or, in a pathological state, tumorigenesis. Growth factors and their receptors can be grouped into families based upon shared structural features, many of which are evolutionarily conserved; homologs of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) families can be found in a vast range of species, from nematodes or Drosophila to higher vertebrates.