Cytokines & Chemokines

Keratinocyte Growth Factor (KGF) is a highly specific epithelial mitogen produced by fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells. KGF belongs to the heparin binding Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) family, and is known as FGF-7. However, in contrast to the FGF-1, which binds to all known FGF receptors with high affinity, KGF only binds to a splice variant of an FGF receptor, FGFR2-IIIb. FGFR2-IIIb is produced by most of the epithelial cells, indicating that KGF plays roles as a paracrine mediator. KGF induces the differen-tiation and proliferation of various epithelial cells, including keratinocytes in the epidermis, hair follicles and sebaceous glands, and is responsible for the wound repairs of various tissues, including lung, bladder, and kidney.

Keratinocyte Growth Factor (KGF) is a highly specific epithelial mitogen produced by fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells. KGF belongs to the heparin binding Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) family, and is known as FGF-7. However, in contrast to the FGF-1, which binds to all known FGF receptors with high affinity, KGF only binds to a splice variant of an FGF receptor, FGFR2-IIIb. FGFR2-IIIb is produced by most of the epithelial cells, indicating that KGF plays roles as a paracrine mediator. KGF induces the differen-tiation and proliferation of various epithelial cells, including keratinocytes in the epidermis, hair follicles and sebaceous glands, and is responsible for the wound repairs of various tissues, including lung, bladder, and kidney.

Fibroblast Growth Factor- acidic (FGF-acidic) is a mitogen targeting at the endothelial cells, and belongs to the heparin binding FGF family, which contains 22 members. FGF-acidic binds to the receptor family FGFR1-4 in vivo with the assistance of heparin. However, along with FGF -basic, FGF-acidic lacks the signal peptide segment, and thus is not secreted via endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi bodies. Studies have shown that FGF-acidic is highly regulated, and it is a direct angiogenesis factor. If unregulated, angiogenesis could contribute to several diseases including arthritis, diabetes, ocular neovascularization, and especially tumors. Therefore, FGF-acidic is treated as a potential oncogene, and its overexpression is correlated tightly with several cancers.

Fibroblast Growth Factor- acidic (FGF-acidic) is a mitogen targeting at the endothelial cells, and belongs to the heparin binding FGF family, which contains 22 members. FGF-acidic binds to the receptor family FGFR1-4 in vivo with the assistance of heparin. However, along with FGF -basic, FGF-acidic lacks the signal peptide segment, and thus is not secreted via endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi bodies. Studies have shown that FGF-acidic is highly regulated, and it is a direct angiogenesis factor. If unregulated, angiogenesis could contribute to several diseases including arthritis, diabetes, ocular neovascularization, and especially tumors. Therefore, FGF-acidic is treated as a potential oncogene, and its overexpression is correlated tightly with several cancers.

Fibroblast Growth Factor- acidic (FGF-acidic) is a mitogen targeting at the endothelial cells, and belongs to the heparin binding FGF family, which contains 22 members. FGF-acidic binds to the receptor family FGFR1-4 in vivo with the assistance of heparin. However, along with FGF -basic, FGF-acidic lacks the signal peptide segment, and thus is not secreted via endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi bodies. Studies have shown that FGF-acidic is highly regulated, and it is a direct angiogenesis factor. If unregulated, angiogenesis could contribute to several diseases including arthritis, diabetes, ocular neovascularization, and especially tumors. Therefore, FGF-acidic is treated as a potential oncogene, and its overexpression is correlated tightly with several cancers.

Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) is a member of the Hedgehog (Hh) family of highly conserved proteins which are widely represented throughout the animal kingdom. In mammal, there are three related Hh proteins, Sonic (Shh), Desert (Dhh) and Indian (Ihh). They share a high degree of amino-acid sequence identity (e.g., Shh and Ihh are 93% identical). Sonic Hedgehog plays a role in cell growth, cell specialization, and the normal shaping (patterning) of the body. Shh is also important for development of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system), eyes, limbs, and many other parts of the body.

Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) is a member of the Hedgehog (Hh) family of highly conserved proteins which are widely represented throughout the animal kingdom. In mammal, there are three related Hh proteins, Sonic (Shh), Desert (Dhh) and Indian (Ihh). They share a high degree of amino-acid sequence identity (e.g., Shh and Ihh are 93% identical). Sonic Hedgehog plays a role in cell growth, cell specialization, and the normal shaping (patterning) of the body. Shh is also important for development of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system), eyes, limbs, and many other parts of the body.

Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) is a member of the Hedgehog (Hh) family of highly conserved proteins which are widely represented throughout the animal kingdom. In mammal, there are three related Hh proteins, Sonic (Shh), Desert (Dhh) and Indian (Ihh). They share a high degree of amino-acid sequence identity (e.g., Shh and Ihh are 93% identical). Sonic Hedgehog plays a role in cell growth, cell specialization, and the normal shaping (patterning) of the body. Shh is also important for development of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system), eyes, limbs, and many other parts of the body.

Heregulin1-Beta1(HRG1-Beta1) is one of the isoforms encoded by Neuregulin (NRG) genes. NRGs are synthesized as large transmembrane precursor proteins, and the NRG family has 4 members and 26 isoforms. These isoforms provide large diversities, including different tissue distribution, variable potencies, and different biological functions. HRG1-β1 belongs to Type I HRG1, and is expressed in neural tissue, respiratory epithelia, and heart. In vivo, HRG1 binds and activates both ErbB3 and ErbB4, the transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase, and is involved in the proliferation, differentiation, and survival of cells. Aberrantly produced HRG1 could be used in the constitute activation of the ErbB receptors; therefore, the upregulation of HRG1 contributes to the development of tumors, including breast cancer.