Figure 1: Schematic representation of cytokine activation
Figure 2: Cell division triggered by cytokine signalling
| About CGFs |
| What
are Cellular Growth Factors?
Cellular growth factors are natural chemical messengers produced by the body to control the growth and function of different types of cells. Growth factors act by binding to receptors expressed on the surface of responsive cells (see figure 1). In turn, receptor binding triggers a biochemical cascade resulting in changes in gene transcription and cell func tion (see figure 2). Many growth factors are quite versatile, stimulating cellular division in numerous different cell types; while others are specific to a particular cell-type. To view an animation of the action and effect of a cellular growth factor visit WEHI-TV . Why study CGFs? The study of CGFs is performed because the discovery of new growth factors which are active on tissues, such as blood and nerve cells, can lead to treatments for diseases associated with either a lack of production of these cells when required or an overproduction of these cells in cancer. One of the CRC-CGF roles is to determine the three-dimensional structure of known growth factors and their receptors in order to design new forms of these proteins that have improved biological specificity or efficacy. In addition to the search for new or improved growth factors, the CRC is investigating how growth factors transmit their signals within cells to stimulate them to multiply or mature. Understanding this process will enable researchers to identify novel targets for therapy that bypass the growth factors themselves, leading to the development of novel agents which can mimic or inhibit growth factor action. |
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Figure 1: Schematic representation of cytokine activation |
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Figure 2: Cell division triggered by cytokine signalling |