Abstract
In this chapter, we discuss various aspects of classic growth factors and their relevance to endocrinology. Although “growth factors” have traditionally been considered to be represented by the family of peptide growth factors, this definition is too restricted given that nonpeptide hormones, e.g., steroid hormones such as estrogen, also stimulate cell growth. Similarly, growth factors have traditionally been considered as tissue factors, functioning locally as autocrine or paracrine factors, as compared to hormones that function in a classic endocrine fashion. We focus here on insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), which represent a paradigm that has both endocrine and autocrine/paracrine modalities. We then discuss other members of classic growth factor families, allowing the reader to compare and contrast them to the IGFs. We also briefly address the numerous cell-surface receptors and the cross talk between receptors. Because we cannot describe here all aspects of the growth factors, their receptors, and interacting proteins, we refer the reader to various other excellent reviews in the Selected Reading section.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsPreview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Selected Reading
Chang H, Brown CW, Matzuk MM. Genetic analysis of the mammalian transforming growth factor-β superf amily. Endocr Rev 2002;23:787–823.
Dunbar AJ, Goddard C. Structure-function and biological role of betacellulin. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2000;32:805–815.
Ferrara N, Gerber H-P, LeCouter J. The biology of VEGF and its receptors. Nat Med 2003;9:669–676
LeCouter J, Ferrara N. EG-VEGF and Bv8: A novel family of tissue-selective mediators of angiogenesis, endothelial phenotype, and function. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2003;13:276–282.
LeRoith D, Bondy C, Shoshana Yakar S,,Liu J-L, Butler AA. The somatomedin hypothesis. Endocr Rev 2001;22:53–74.
LeRoith D, Werner H, Beitner-Johnson D, Roberts CT Jr. Molecular and cellular aspects of the insulin-like growth factor I receptor. Endocr Rev 1995;16(2):143–163.
Quarles LD. FGF23, PHEX and MEPE regulation of phosphate homeostasis and skeletal mineralization. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2003;285:E1–E9.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2005 Humana Press Inc., Totowa, NJ
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
LeRoith, D., Lowe, W.L. (2005). Growth Factors. In: Melmed, S., Conn, P.M. (eds) Endocrinology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-829-8_6
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-829-8_6
Publisher Name: Humana Press
Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-427-2
Online ISBN: 978-1-59259-829-8
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)