Growth Factors and Their Receptors in Cell Differentiation, Cancer and Cancer Therapy

Recent years have seen a considerable emphasis on growth factors and the elucidation of their mode of function, which has led to the recognition that growth factors, their receptors as well as downstream elements of signalling associated with their function might be potential targets in therapeutic management of human diseases. Humanised monoclonal antibodies raised against growth factor receptors have proved to be valuable for targeted cancer treatment and in patient management.

This book reviews the latest developments providing insights into the signalling processes involved in morphogenesis and pathogenesis with emphasis on using the elements of the signalling cascades as targets for therapeutic deployment.

• Provides a fundamental understanding of the basic functions of growth factors and their receptors, describing how they are linked in biological processes
• Aids the development of therapeutic treatments for cancer
• Focuses on the interrelationships and convergence of growth factors and their receptors in development and pathogenesis and encourages greater cooperation and integration in the areas of developmental, cancer and cancer therapeutic research

Developmental biologists, cell biologists and cancer researchers

1. Convergence of growth factor signalling pathways in developmental systems and pathogenesis

2. Growth factor families

3. TGF-β family growth factors in differentiation and morphogenesis

4. Vascular endothelial growth factor

5. The hepatocyte growth Factor

6. The platelet derived growth factor family

7. Nerve Growth Factors

8. Insulin-like growth factors

9. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF)

10. Thrombospondins

11. Cytokines

12. Growth factor and hedgehog signalling pathways meet in developmental systems

13. Epidermal Growth Factors and their signalling systems

14. Growth factors of the EGF family

15. The fibroblast growth factor family

16. Intracellular receptor binding growth factors

17. Androgens and androgen receptors (AR) in development, differentiation and neoplasia

18. Vitamin D3 in cell proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation

19. Retinoids in development and pattern formation

20. Oestrogens and progesterone in normal physiology and neoplasia

21. Glucocorticoid signalling in normal and aberrant physiology