What is the Origin of Growth Factor Cascades?

The term combines "growth factor" (a naturally occurring substance capable of stimulating cellular growth) with "cascades," borrowed from the concept of a waterfall or chain reaction, to describe the sequential nature of intracellular signal transduction. This concept is foundational to molecular cell biology.

What is the Mechanism of Growth Factor Cascades?

A common and clinically relevant example involves the binding of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) to its receptor, which subsequently activates the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. This pathway is a critical node, driving protein synthesis and cell growth, which is essential for muscle hypertrophy and the maintenance of lean body mass throughout the lifespan.

Growth Factor Cascades

Meaning

A sequence of biological events where a growth factor binds to its specific cell surface receptor, initiating a chain reaction of intracellular signaling molecules that ultimately lead to a defined cellular response. These responses include proliferation, differentiation, survival, or programmed cell death. These cascades are fundamental to tissue repair, development, and all anabolic processes.