Cytokines & Chemokines

Fibroblast Growth Factor 17 (FGF-17) is a part of the fibroblast growth factor family. FGF family members have broad mitogenic and cell survival activities, and are involved in various biological processes includingmorphogenesis, embryonic development cell growth, , tissue repair, tumor growth and invasion. The FGF17 gene is highly expressed in the cerebellum and cortex. The mouse homolog of the FGF17 gene is localized to specific sites in the midline structures of the forebrain, the midbrain-hindbrain junction, developing skeleton and developing arteries, suggesting a part in central nervous system, bone and vascular development.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that also has an important role in immunity. Mouse IL-6 appears to be directly involved in the responses that occur after infection and injury and may prove to be as important as IL-1 in regulating the acute phase response. Mouse IL-6 is reported to be produced by fibroblasts, activated T cells, activated monocytes or macrophages, and endothelial cells. It acts upon a variety of cells, including fibroblasts, myeloid progenitor cells, T cells, B cells and hepatocytes. IL-6 has a wide variety of biological functions: it plays an essential role in the final differentiation of B-cells into Ig-secreting cells, it induces myeloma and plasmacytoma growth, nerve cells differentiation in hepatocytes, and acute phase reactants.

GDF-7 belongs to the TGF-β superfamily of growth and differentiation factors. It is expressed selectively by roof plate cells that are located in the developing embryonic central nervous system, and has been shown to influence the neuronal identity of cells within the central nervous system. GDF-7 has also been implicated in the formation, maintenance, and repair of certain cartilage and ligament tissues.

Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP-15), also known as GDF-9B, is a TGF-β superfamily ligand that is expressed by oocytes throughout folliculogenesis, and plays an important role in oocyte development. BMP-15 promotes the FSH-independent proliferation of ovarian granulosa cells (GC) and induces GC glycolysis and cholesterol synthesis. It also induces GC production of stem cell factor which, in turn, negatively regulates BMP-15 expression in oocytes. BMP-15 blocks the FS-induced GC expression of FSH R and multiple steroidogenic molecules.

Interleukin-36 beta (IL-36β) is an 18 kDa cytokine with 154 amino acid residues. IL-36β, the ligand of IL-36R, is expressed in keratinocytes and plays a significant role in inflammatory responses. IL-36β regulates biological functions like the differentiation of T cells. Moreover, IL-36β recruits neutrophils via inducing the expression of cytokines and chemokines, such as IL-17C, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), IL-8, CXCL-1, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF).

Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) activates c-Met receptor's tyrosine kinase cascade, influencing cell growth and motility. Originating from mesenchymal cells, HGF is a multifunctional cytokine that plays a central role in angiogenesis, tumorigenesis, and tissue regeneration. Initially secreted as an inactive polypeptide, HGF undergoes cleavage to become an active heterodimeric molecule. The gene exhibits alternative splicing, resulting in diverse isoforms.

IL-3 (interleukin 3), also known as IL3, is a potent growth-promoting cytokine that belongs to the IL-3 family. IL-3 also belongs to the group of interleukins. Interleukins are produced by a wide variety of body cells. The function of the immune system depends in a large part on interleukins, and rare deficiencies of a number of them have been described, all featuring autoimmune diseases or immune deficiency.

IL-3 (interleukin 3), also known as IL3, is a potent growth-promoting cytokine that belongs to the IL-3 family. IL-3 also belongs to the group of interleukins. Interleukins are produced by a wide variety of body cells. The function of the immune system depends in a large part on interleukins, and rare deficiencies of a number of them have been described, all featuring autoimmune diseases or immune deficiency.