Growth factor receptor

Growth factor receptor is a type of protein that resides on the surface of a cell and binds to growth factors. These receptors are a part of the larger family of protein receptors. When growth factors bind to their respective receptors, they trigger a series of cellular signaling events that ultimately lead to various cellular outcomes such as proliferation, differentiation, and survival.

Structure

Growth factor receptors are typically composed of an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain. The extracellular domain is the part of the receptor that binds to the growth factor. The transmembrane domain anchors the receptor in the cell membrane, and the intracellular domain transmits the signal from the growth factor to the inside of the cell.

Function

The primary function of growth factor receptors is to bind to growth factors and initiate a cellular response. This is typically achieved through a process known as receptor dimerization, where two receptors come together to form a dimer. This dimerization activates the intracellular domain of the receptor, which then initiates a series of signaling events inside the cell.

Types of Growth Factor Receptors

There are several types of growth factor receptors, including Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor (PDGFR), and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor (VEGFR). Each of these receptors binds to a specific growth factor and triggers a unique cellular response.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities in growth factor receptors can lead to a variety of diseases, including cancer. For example, overexpression of EGFR is often seen in certain types of cancer, such as lung cancer and colorectal cancer. In these cases, the overactive EGFR signaling can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation, a hallmark of cancer.

See Also

• Growth factor
• Receptor (biochemistry)
• Signal transduction
• Cancer

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