[PDF][PDF] Epidermal growth factor.

G Carpenter, S Cohen - Journal of Biological Chemistry, 1990 - researchgate.net
G Carpenter, S Cohen
Journal of Biological Chemistry, 1990researchgate.net
Growth factors, a diverse group of polypeptides that modify cell proliferation, constitute a
distinct subgroup in endocrinology. The biology of these factors differs somewhat from
classical hormones as neither their site (s) of synthesis nor site (s) of action is restricted to
defined tissues. Many growth factors probably operate in a paracrine fashion and, in certain
instances, their action may be autocrine in nature. The diffuseness of sites of synthesis and
location of target cells plus the limited quantities of purified material available for studies with …
Growth factors, a diverse group of polypeptides that modify cell proliferation, constitute a distinct subgroup in endocrinology. The biology of these factors differs somewhat from classical hormones as neither their site (s) of synthesis nor site (s) of action is restricted to defined tissues. Many growth factors probably operate in a paracrine fashion and, in certain instances, their action may be autocrine in nature. The diffuseness of sites of synthesis and location of target cells plus the limited quantities of purified material available for studies with intact animals have restricted progress in understanding the normal physiological function of many of the growth factors in growth and development. However, early studies with EGF’in the intact animal demonstrated its stimulatory effect on epidermal proliferation(1) and inhibitory effect on gastric acid secretion (2).
The application of biochemical and molecular biological approaches has produced considerable information concerning the structure of the growth factors and their individual receptors, their classification into families of related molecules, the relationship of receptors and growth factors to oncogene products, and the plethora of cellular events that constitute the mitogenic response. Also, some clues are available regarding the second messenger pathways that mediate biological responses to growth factors. The study of EGF has provided a framework for understanding the cellular and molecular events that underlie the biological effects of a number of growth factors and hormones. The intent of this article is to summarize this information with reference to the most seminal discoveries and recent advances. A recent comprehensive review (3) is available for more detailed information.
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