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Growth Factor Signaling Cascade

Meaning

A Growth Factor Signaling Cascade is a highly complex, multi-step intracellular communication pathway initiated by the binding of an extracellular growth factor, such as IGF-1 or Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), to its specific cell-surface receptor. This binding triggers a rapid sequence of phosphorylation and activation events among intracellular proteins, ultimately relaying the signal to the nucleus to promote cellular processes like proliferation, differentiation, and survival. These cascades are fundamental to tissue repair, regeneration, and the maintenance of youthful cellular function. Dysregulation of these pathways is often implicated in both aging and oncogenesis.