Handbook of Growth Factors: v. 1 General Basic Aspects

Growth factors are extracellular signalling substances that are secreted by a wide diversity of cell types and are involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation. They have an important role to play in normal physiological processes such as tissue development and regeneration and also in abnormal cellular proliferations such as those associated with malignant diseases. Part of a three-volume set, this volume provides a comprehensive discussion of the factors involved in the regulation of the cell cycle, the general biological properties of growth factors and the receptor and postreceptor mechanisms of these signalling agents. The possible role of growth factors in the regulation of proto-oncogene and tumour suppressor gene expression and the development of neoplastic processes are discussed in detail.