Secretion of growth factors

"Secretion of growth factors" refers to the cellular processes by which various types of cells synthesize and release signaling proteins known as *growth factors* into their extracellular environment. These proteins act locally through paracrine and autocrine mechanisms—or systemically via endocrine routes—to regulate essential biological functions including cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, tissue repair, angiogenesis, and immune responses[1][2][6]. The secretion occurs through mechanisms such as exocytosis and shedding from membrane-bound precursors. Once released, these molecules bind to specific cell surface receptors—most commonly receptor tyrosine kinases—which then trigger intracellular signaling cascades that alter gene expression and cellular behavior[1][2][7]. Dysregulation in either over-secretion or under-secretion can contribute to disease states such as cancer (by promoting uncontrolled cell division), fibrosis (excessive tissue scarring), impaired wound healing, developmental defects in embryos due to insufficient signals for organ formation—and more broadly impacts homeostasis throughout life[3][4]. Because this term describes an entire class of processes rather than an individual molecular entity with defined structure/function relationships suitable for direct drug targeting or biomarker development—it should not be used as a canonical target name in structured databases. Instead consider specifying particular secreted molecules like “Vascular endothelial growth factor” (*VEGF*) or “Epidermal growth factor” (*EGF*) if you require information on actionable targets. In summary: "Secretion of growth factors" is not itself a molecular target but rather denotes an important physiological mechanism involving many different protein families critical for health and disease management[1][2][4].

Other names

Growth factor secretionRelease of growth factors