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Growth Factor Pathways

Meaning

Growth Factor Pathways describe the complex, interconnected signal transduction cascades initiated by the binding of growth factors—polypeptide signaling molecules—to their specific cell surface receptors, ultimately regulating cellular proliferation, differentiation, and survival. These pathways are crucial in hormonal health, as they often cross-talk with classic endocrine signaling, notably the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) axes. Proper function of these pathways is essential for tissue repair, muscle anabolism, and maintaining metabolic homeostasis.