Growth Factors in Lung Development and Disease: Friends or Foe?

Date
2001-10-9
Authors
Desai, Tushar J.
Cardoso, Wellington V.
Version
OA Version
Citation
Desai, Tushar J, Wellington V Cardoso. "Growth factors in lung development and disease: friends or foe?" Respiratory Research 3(1):2. (2001)
Abstract
Growth factors mediate tissue interactions and regulate a variety of cellular functions that are critical for normal lung development and homeostasis. Besides their involvement in lung pattern formation, growth and cell differentiation during organogenesis, these factors have been also implicated in modulating injury-repair responses of the adult lung. Altered expression of growth factors, such as transforming growth factor β1, vascular endothelial growth factor and epidermal growth factor, and/or their receptors, has been found in a number of pathological lung conditions. In this paper, we discuss the dual role of these molecules in mediating beneficial feedback responses or responses that can further damage lung integrity; we shall also discuss the basis for their prospective use as therapeutic agents.
Description
License
Copyright 2001 BioMed Central Ltd