Physiological wound-healing pathways via endogenous growth factor release

Physiological wound-healing pathways via endogenous growth factor release refer to the complex, multi-stage biological process of tissue repair involving inflammation, tissue formation, and remodeling. This process is orchestrated by the coordinated release of endogenous signaling molecules, including Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β), and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), from platelets, macrophages, and fibroblasts (Werner & Grose, 2003, Physiol Rev). These factors bind to specific receptors to promote essential cellular activities such as chemotaxis, angiogenesis, and the synthesis of extracellular matrix components (Barrientos et al., 2008, Wound Repair Regen). In clinical practice, these pathways are targeted to treat chronic wounds, such as diabetic ulcers, where the natural healing response is often stalled or deficient (Behm et al., 2012, Mayo Clin Proc). Drugs like Becaplermin (recombinant human PDGF) are utilized to mimic or augment these endogenous signals to re-initiate the healing process. However, because this term describes a broad physiological sequence and a network of interacting proteins rather than a single molecular entity, it is classified as a biological pathway or mechanism of action rather than a discrete therapeutic target.

Other names

Wound healing cascadeGrowth factor-mediated tissue repairEndogenous growth factor signalingTissue regeneration pathways

Activation of cell-surface receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) by endogenous or exogenous growth factors to initiate intracellular signaling cascades (e.g., MAPK/ERK, PI3K/Akt) that drive cellular responses necessary for tissue regeneration (Werner & Grose, 2003).