Cytokines & Chemokines

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 4 (IGF-BP-4), also known as IBP-4, is a secreted glycoprotein belonging to the IGFBP family. IGF-BP-4 is produced by osteoblasts, epidermis, ovarian follicles and other tissues. It binds both insulin-like growth factor (IGF) I and II, and it circulates in the plasma in both glycosylated and non-glycosylated forms. IGF-BP-4 prolongs the half-life of the IGFs and has been shown to inhibit or stimulate the growth-promoting effects of the IGFs. Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein A (PAPP-A) proteolytically cleaves IGF-BP-4 and reduces its affinity to bind IGFs, and thus serves as an important regulator of IGF-BP-4 function.

Insulin-like Growth Factor I (IGF-I) is a single chain 7 kDa growth-promoting polypeptide originally identified as somatomedin-c. It belongs to the IGF family of peptides, which also includes IGF-II and insulin. The gene expression of IGF-I is mainly regulated by Growth Hormone, and IGF-I executes its functions via signaling through transmembrane tyrosine receptors (IGF Receptors). Most circulating IFG-I is associated with the IGF Binding Protein 3 (IGFBP-3), and the IGFBPs may inhibit the actions of IGFs by competing against the IGF Receptors. IGF-I is active in post-natal and adult animals, and is crucial for somatic growth, as IGF-I null mice show marked retardation in utero. IGF-I is involved in carcinogenesis, and related to prostate cancer as well.

Insulin-like Growth Factor I (IGF-I) is a single chain 7 kDa growth-promoting polypeptide originally identified as somatomedin-c. It belongs to the IGF family of peptides, which also includes IGF-II and insulin. The gene expression of IGF-I is mainly regulated by Growth Hormone, and IGF-I executes its functions via signaling through transmembrane tyrosine receptors (IGF Receptors). Most circulating IFG-I is associated with the IGF Binding Protein 3 (IGFBP-3), and the IGFBPs may inhibit the actions of IGFs by competing against the IGF Receptors. IGF-I is active in post-natal and adult animals, and is crucial for somatic growth, as IGF-I null mice show marked retardation in utero. IGF-I is involved in carcinogenesis, and related to prostate cancer as well.

Insulin-like Growth Factor I (IGF-I) is a single chain 7 kDa growth-promoting polypeptide originally identified as somatomedin-c. It belongs to the IGF family of peptides, which also includes IGF-II and insulin. The gene expression of IGF-I is mainly regulated by Growth Hormone, and IGF-I executes its functions via signaling through transmembrane tyrosine receptors (IGF Receptors). Most circulating IFG-I is associated with the IGF Binding Protein 3 (IGFBP-3), and the IGFBPs may inhibit the actions of IGFs by competing against the IGF Receptors. IGF-I is active in post-natal and adult animals, and is crucial for somatic growth, as IGF-I null mice show marked retardation in utero. IGF-I is involved in carcinogenesis, and related to prostate cancer as well.

Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-BB (PDGF-BB) is one of five dimers (PDGF-AA, AB, BB, CC, and DD) formed by 4 different PDGF subunits. In vivo, PDGF-BB is mainly produced in heart and placenta, and predominantly expressed by osteoblasts, fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and glial cells. An inactive precursor of PDGF-BB is produced in the endoplasmic reticulum and then activated by a proprotein convertase after secretion. PDGF-BB functions in a paracrine manner and promotes organogenesis, human skeletal development, and wound healing. PDGF-BB also promotes angiogenesis, particularly in the presence of Fibroblast Growth Factor basic. Therefore, PDGF-BB and its related pathways are potential pharmacological targets.

Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-BB (PDGF-BB) is one of five dimers (PDGF-AA, AB, BB, CC, and DD) formed by 4 different PDGF subunits. In vivo, PDGF-BB is mainly produced in heart and placenta, and predominantly expressed by osteoblasts, fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and glial cells. An inactive precursor of PDGF-BB is produced in the endoplasmic reticulum and then activated by a proprotein convertase after secretion. PDGF-BB functions in a paracrine manner and promotes organogenesis, human skeletal development, and wound healing. PDGF-BB also promotes angiogenesis, particularly in the presence of Fibroblast Growth Factor basic. Therefore, PDGF-BB and its related pathways are potential pharmacological targets.

Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-BB (PDGF-BB) is one of five dimers (PDGF-AA, AB, BB, CC, and DD) formed by 4 different PDGF subunits. In vivo, PDGF-BB is mainly produced in heart and placenta, and predominantly expressed by osteoblasts, fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and glial cells. An inactive precursor of PDGF-BB is produced in the endoplasmic reticulum and then activated by a proprotein convertase after secretion. PDGF-BB functions in a paracrine manner and promotes organogenesis, human skeletal development, and wound healing. PDGF-BB also promotes angiogenesis, particularly in the presence of Fibroblast Growth Factor basic. Therefore, PDGF-BB and its related pathways are potential pharmacological targets.

Neurotrophin-4 (NT-4), also known as NT-5, is a neurotrophic factor structurally related to β-NGF, BDNF, and NT-3. Human NT-4 shares 48 - 52% aa sequence identity with human β-NGF, BDNF, and NT-3. Neurotrophins have six conserved cysteine residues that are involved in the formation of three disulfide bonds. NT-4 is expressed highest levels in prostate, lower levels in thymus, placenta, and skeletal muscle. NT-4 binds and induces receptor dimerization and activation of TrkB. NT-4 can signal through TrkB receptors and promotes the survival of peripheral sensory sympathetic neurons.

Neurotrophin-4 (NT-4), also known as NT-5, is a neurotrophic factor structurally related to β-NGF, BDNF, and NT-3. Human NT-4 shares 48 - 52% aa sequence identity with human β-NGF, BDNF, and NT-3. Neurotrophins have six conserved cysteine residues that are involved in the formation of three disulfide bonds. NT-4 is expressed highest levels in prostate, lower levels in thymus, placenta, and skeletal muscle. NT-4 binds and induces receptor dimerization and activation of TrkB. NT-4 can signal through TrkB receptors and promotes the survival of peripheral sensory sympathetic neurons.