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Amazing immune power! Why is the transmission of cell messages so critical?
In our bodies, the constant communication and interaction of cells forms an unimaginable network. In this communication system, there is a main member of quality assurance-growth factor. Growth factors are not only naturally occurring substances, they also stimulate cell proliferation, promote wound healing, and sometimes even interfere with cell differentiation. These growth factors function by acting as signaling molecules between cells and are widely used in the medical field.
A growth factor is a substance usually in the form of a secreted protein or steroid hormone.
These growth factors play important regulatory roles in various cellular processes. They transmit signals by binding to specific receptors on the surface of target cells, thereby promoting cell maturation and differentiation. Different growth factors have different effects on cells. For example, epithelial growth factor (EGF) can promote bone formation, while fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) contribute to the formation of blood vessels. .
Comparison of cytokines and growth factors
In the scientific community, growth factors are sometimes used interchangeably with cytokines. The concept of cytokines was first associated with hematopoietic cells and immune system cells (such as lymphocytes, etc.). However, with the deepening of research, we found that these signaling proteins are not limited to the blood system, but also participate in the development and development of a variety of other cells and tissues. Signaling during maturation.
While growth factors generally imply a positive effect on cell proliferation, cytokines are by definition neutral and not specifically directed toward promoting or inhibiting cell proliferation.
Some cytokines, such as G-CSF and GM-CSF, can indeed act as growth factors, but others can inhibit cell proliferation. Cytokines such as Fas ligand will prompt target cells to enter programmed death, that is, apoptosis.
Diversity of growth factors
Growth factors commonly occur as members of most large protein families related to their structure and evolution. Among these large families, we can find many key growth factors, such as:
- Adrenergic hormone (AM)
- Angiopoietin (Ang)
- Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs)
- Insulin
- Epinephrine (EPO)
Each type of growth factor has its own specialized role and assists in specific physiological functions of the human body.
The alpha granules in platelets contain growth factors such as PDGF, IGF-1, EGF and TGF-β, which are responsible for attracting and activating macrophages, fibroblasts and endothelial cells during wound healing.
Applications in medicine
Over the past two decades, the application of growth factors has expanded to include the treatment of hematological and oncological diseases and cardiovascular diseases, including:
- Skin wound healing and regeneration of other tissues (such as bones)
- Neutropenia
- Bone marrow transplant
- Angiogenesis in cardiovascular disease
The interaction between growth factors and the human immune system and the diversity of biological responses all demonstrate the importance of information transmission between cells that cannot be underestimated. Looking back at the process of these signal transmissions, have you ever thought about how closely our physiological reactions are related to these microscopic biological processes?
