Skip to main content

Growth Factor Signaling

Meaning

Growth Factor Signaling is a complex, cell-to-cell communication system where polypeptide molecules known as growth factors bind to specific cell surface receptors to regulate fundamental cellular processes. This signaling network is essential for orchestrating cell proliferation, differentiation, tissue repair, and survival, playing a critical role in both normal development and pathological states. In the context of endocrinology, it is closely linked to hormonal action, as exemplified by the anabolic effects of Growth Hormone being largely mediated through Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) signaling. Dysregulation of this pathway is a hallmark of many chronic diseases, including various cancers and metabolic syndromes.