Kasvutekijämerkki

Kasvutekijämerkki, known in English as Growth Factor Marker, refers to a biological molecule used to indicate the presence or activity of growth factors. Growth factors are signaling proteins that stimulate cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and survival. These molecules play crucial roles in normal development, tissue repair, and also in the pathogenesis of diseases like cancer.

A growth factor marker can be a growth factor itself, a receptor for a growth factor, or a downstream protein that is activated or expressed as a result of growth factor signaling. Measuring these markers can provide valuable information about cellular processes. For example, elevated levels of certain growth factor receptors on cancer cells can suggest a more aggressive tumor and a potential target for therapy. Similarly, detecting specific growth factors in bodily fluids might indicate ongoing tissue regeneration or inflammation.

The analysis of growth factor markers is often performed using various laboratory techniques, including immunoassays like ELISA, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. These methods allow for the detection and quantification of these specific molecules in biological samples such as blood, tissue biopsies, or cell cultures. Understanding and monitoring growth factor markers is therefore essential in various fields of research and clinical practice, particularly in oncology, regenerative medicine, and developmental biology.