Growth factor protein family

The **growth factor protein family** refers to a large group of structurally related proteins that regulate key cellular processes including cell division, differentiation, survival, migration, inflammation, tissue repair and wound healing[2][6][8]. Growth factors act primarily by binding to specific cell surface receptors—often receptor tyrosine kinases or serine/threonine kinase receptors—triggering intracellular signaling cascades that control gene expression and cellular behavior[1][2]. Major families within this group include fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), transforming growth factor-betas (TGF-betas), platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs), vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs), nerve growth factor (NGF), insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), among others[6][7]. Dysregulation of these proteins is implicated in diseases such as cancer and fibrosis due to their central role in controlling cell proliferation and tissue remodeling[1][2].

Other names

Growth factorsgrowth factor familycytokine family (context-dependent)

*For the family as a whole*: Not applicable. For individual members, mechanisms include receptor activation leading to downstream signaling pathways such as MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt[1][2][3].