Paracrine signaling via secretion of growth factors and cytokines

Paracrine signaling via secretion of growth factors and cytokines is **not a single molecular target or receptor**, but rather a **cellular communication mechanism**. In this process, cells secrete diffusible proteins—growth factors or cytokines—that act on neighboring cells by binding to specific cell surface receptors. This local action triggers intracellular signal transduction cascades that regulate gene expression and cellular responses such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, survival, immune modulation, angiogenesis, and tissue repair[1][2][3][4]. The main families of paracrine factors include fibroblast growth factor (FGF), Hedgehog family proteins, Wnt family proteins, and the TGF-beta superfamily; each acts through its own set of highly conserved receptors[3]. Dysregulation of these pathways is implicated in diseases such as cancer (where tumor cells exploit autocrine/paracrine loops for uncontrolled growth), inflammation, infection susceptibility or resistance, fibrosis/repair disorders and more[7][8].\n\n**Note:** "Paracrine signaling via secretion of growth factors/cytokines" describes a biological process involving many different molecules—not an individual druggable target like a receptor or enzyme. For structured data purposes it should not be treated as a canonical therapeutic target; instead consider specifying the particular receptor(s) or ligand(s) involved (e.g., "Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1", "Interleukin 6", etc.) for actionable information[3][4].

Other names

Paracrine signalingGrowth factor paracrine signalingCytokine paracrine signaling