Introduction of Growth factors

Growth factors are proteins that function as growth stimulators and/or growth inhibitors, stimulate cell migration, act as chemotactic agents, inhibit cell migration, inhibit invasion of tumor cells, modulate differentiated functions of cells, involved in apoptosis, involved in angiogenesis and promote survival of cells without influencing growth and differentiation. Their activities are mediated via binding to transmembrane receptors that often contain cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase domains. When unregulated, many growth factors and their receptors have been implicated in tumor formation. Here are many families, which are listed below:

• Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Family
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Family
• Epidermal Growth Factor Family
• Fibroblast Growth Factor Family
• Insulin-like growth factor Family
• Neurotrophin Family
• GDNF Family
• transforming growth factor-β Family