Growth Factors and Their Receptors in Cell Differentiation, Cancer and Cancer Therapy

Recent years have seen a considerable emphasis on growth factors and the elucidation of their mode of function, which has led to the recognition that growth factors, their receptors as well as downstream elements of signalling associated with their function might be potential targets in therapeutic management of human diseases. Humanised monoclonal antibodies raised against growth factor receptors have proved to be valuable for targeted cancer treatment and in patient management.

This book reviews the latest developments providing insights into the signalling processes involved in morphogenesis and pathogenesis with emphasis on using the elements of the signalling cascades as targets for therapeutic deployment.

Provides a fundamental understanding of the basic functions of growth factors and their receptors, describing how they are linked in biological processesAids the development of therapeutic treatments for cancerFocuses on the interrelationships and convergence of growth factors and their receptors in development and pathogenesis and encourages greater cooperation and integration in the areas of developmental, cancer and cancer therapeutic research

1. Convergence of growth factor signalling pathways in developmental systems and pathogenesis 2. Growth factor families 3. TGF-ß family growth factors in differentiation and morphogenesis 4. Vascular endothelial growth factor 5. The hepatocyte growth Factor 6. The platelet derived growth factor family 7. Nerve Growth Factors 8. Insulin-like growth factors 9. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) 10. Thrombospondins 11. Cytokines 12. Growth factor and hedgehog signalling pathways meet in developmental systems 13. Epidermal Growth Factors and their signalling systems 14. Growth factors of the EGF family 15. The fibroblast growth factor family 16. Intracellular receptor binding growth factors 17. Androgens and androgen receptors (AR) in development, differentiation and neoplasia 18. Vitamin D3 in cell proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation 19. Retinoids in development and pattern formation 20. Oestrogens and progesterone in normal physiology and neoplasia 21. Glucocorticoid signalling in normal and aberrant physiology