polypeptides produced by cells which stimulates either the same cell or other cells to proliferate. Many different types of growth factors have been isolated and characterized, some of which are associated with abnormal growth of transformed cells. Growth factors interact with cells through specific receptors in the cell membrane.

Substances produced by the body that stimulate tissue growth; some growth factors are under investigation for use in preventing and treating osteoporosis.

A group of proteins that circulate in the blood and trigger the normal growth of cells. Each growth factor acts only on certain target cells.

Chemicals that, in minute amounts, cause the growth of cells; used to regulate cell growth.

a complex family of proteins produced by the body to control growth, division and maturation of blood cells by the bone marrow. Some are available as products of genetic engineering, and are used clinically to stimulate normal white cell production following chemotherapy or bone marrow transplantation.

Local chemical messengers in many tissues in the body that can control the growth of cells. Some growth factors can tell breast cells to grow and divide. Other growth factors can act as brakes, stopping or slowing down the growth of breast cells. "Transforming growth factor-alpha" is an example of a growth factor that is known to stimulate the growth of normal breast cells and some types of breast tumors.

Substances sometimes given to transplant patients to stimulate the production of blood cells, or to stem cell donors to mobilize stem cells into the bloodstream for collection.

In the context of bone repair, growth factors are proteins in the body that trigger cellular responses resulting in the growth of bone tissue.

A substance that is normally produced in the body that is involved in cell division, maturation, or survival. Growth factors may also be produced in a laboratory to mimic the growth factors naturally produced by the body. These synthetic growth factors may be used as biologic therapy to stimulate the immune system to fight cancer or lessen side effects of treatment.

growth factors are small biologically active protein fragments of the cytokine group. Although GFs are produced and segregated by all cells in the organism as a response to specific stimuli, they can be found in greater proportion in platelets, macrophages and plasmatic proteins. When these substances (cytokines) bind to cytokine receptors in the cell membrane, the cell activates or inhibits its functions.

A substance which must be present in culture medium to permit cell multiplication, or substances involved in promoting growth of certain cell types, tissues or parts of the body in development, e.g. fibroblast growth factor.

Regulatory proteins that generally cause cellular proliferation and/or differentiation.

A growth factor is a protein that is involved in cell differentiation and growth. It stimulates cell division. When produced in excessive amounts, a growth factor may be associated with abnormal growth such as that seen in cancer.

Natural substances produced in tiny quantities in the body which help blood cells to grow. These can now be given in much larger doses by injection during chemotherapy treatment to help the bone marrow recover from treatment more quickly and make more blood cells.

Like hormones, growth factors influence the functions of the body. Almost all tissues manufacture growth factors.

a naturally occurring protein that causes cells to grow and divide.

Also called colony stimulating factors. Substances that stimulate the production of certain blood cells. This treatment can help the bone marrow recover from the effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

Growth factors are small proteins that are synthesised by cells at the site of a wound or released from granules in platelets during clotting which stimulate proliferation, migration and differentiation of the wound cells, especially keratinocytes, fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells, which are their main target cells. Growth factors differ from cytokines and chemokines in that their typical target cells are not inflammatory cells. Examples include epidermal growth factor (EGF), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF).

Medications that increase the number of stem cells in the blood by stimulating the production and growth of blood cells.

Organic compounds other than those required as carbon and energy sources which are needed by many organisms for proper growth and development, and which may include vitamins, amino acids, purines, etc.; a general term for specific peptides or proteins that are released by certain cells and bind to specific cell membrane receptor sites to influence cells to divide or remain quiescent.

a protein that stimulates the production and growth of blood cells, e.g., Neupogen (G-CSF), Aranesp or Neulasta.

Also known as colony-stimulating factors, growth factors are substances that stimulate the production of blood cells in the bone marrow. They can help the blood-forming tissue recover from the effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Proteins that are being tested to see if they prompt nerve growth and brain reorganization.

Paracrine signaling molecules, usually secreted polypeptides, that induce cell division in cells receiving these signals.

Medicine that can accelerate the increase in the blood cells, for example following chemotherapy.