Growth factors (murine)

Growth factors are proteins that are secreted as signals by a cell and transmitted to other cells in order to pass on information. Signal transmission functions by binding the growth factor to its specific membrane receptor. The enzymatic receptors transmit the extracellular “stimulus” through intracellular signal transduction. Growth factors and their receptors are mainly overexpressed in tumors (oncogenes), which leads to uncontrolled cell growth. Targeted tumor therapies therefore attempt to suppress tumor growth by specifically inhibiting receptors (using monoclonal antibodies or tyrosine kinase inhibitors).

We offer you the murine, recombinant growth factors EGF and VEGF. EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) stimulates cell proliferation and differentiation by binding the receptor EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor). EGFR plays a key role in the development of epithelial malignancies. It promotes the growth, invasion and metastasis of tumors. VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) is an important signaling molecule for the formation of blood and lymph vessels as well as for angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Overexpression of VEGF has been associated with the development of some tumors. In tumors, VEGF serves to increase the permeability of blood vessels and thus to open the blood-tumor barrier (facilitated metastasis).