Growth factor signaling: Implications for disease & therapeutics

Research output: Contribution to journalComment/debatepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cells possess complex growth factor networks that play vital roles in regulating fundamental life processes. Such protein factors exert their action by binding to cognate cell specific receptors resulting in regulation of cell division, differentiation, chemotaxis or apoptosis. Engagement of receptors by their respective ligands results in activation of sequential protein phosphorylation cascades, culminating downstream into activation of gene transcription. These factors are expressed ubiquitously under a variety of conditions by normal as well as transformed cells, thereby underpinning their function in autocrine and paracrine stimulation of cells under several physiological and pathological conditions. Despite major advances in our understanding of growth factors, their paradoxical roles in normal cellular homeostasis and pathologies underpin the need to examine their roles in disease and health. The goal of this special issue is to present emerging trends in the roles that growth factors play in inflammatory disease processes that include cardiovascular, cancer, stroke and neurodegenerative processes associated with aging, viral infection and substance abuse with the ultimate aim to pave the way for future therapeutic breakthroughs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)65-68
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology
Volume9
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2014

Keywords

  • Brain-derived neurotropic factor
  • Cell signaling
  • Growth factors
  • HIV-associated cognitive disorders
  • Platelet-derived growth factor
  • Therapeutics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neuroscience (miscellaneous)
  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Growth factor signaling: Implications for disease & therapeutics'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this