Growth Factors

Growth factors are naturally occurring proteins or peptides that play a critical role in regulating cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and tissue repair. They act as powerful signaling molecules that bind to specific cell surface receptors, triggering intracellular pathways that influence cellular behavior. Commonly studied growth factors include EGF (epidermal growth factor), FGF (fibroblast growth factor), VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), and TGF-β (transforming growth factor-beta). These molecules are essential in developmental biology, regenerative medicine, and cancer research, as they govern processes such as angiogenesis, wound healing, and tumor progression. Growth factors are widely used in cell culture, biotechnology, and clinical therapeutics, making them indispensable tools in both research and pharmaceutical applications.