kasvutekijästä

Kasvutekijä is a Finnish term that translates to "growth factor" in English. In biology, growth factors are signaling proteins that bind to specific receptors on the cell surface, initiating intracellular signaling pathways. These pathways regulate various cellular processes, including cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and survival.

Growth factors play crucial roles in normal development and tissue repair. They are involved in processes like embryonic development, wound healing, and the maintenance of adult tissues. Different types of growth factors exist, each with specific functions and target cells. Examples include epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF).

Dysregulation of growth factor signaling can contribute to various diseases, most notably cancer. In many cancers, growth factors or their receptors are overexpressed or mutated, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and tumor growth. Consequently, growth factors and their signaling pathways are important targets for therapeutic interventions in cancer treatment. Research into growth factors continues to advance our understanding of normal physiology and disease pathogenesis, opening avenues for new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.