Growth & Neurotrophic Factors

• First
• «
• 1
• 2
• 3
• »
• Last

Growth factors and neurotrophic factors are essential proteins involved in cellular growth, differentiation, survival, and regeneration. They play a fundamental role in developmental biology, tissue repair, and neuroprotection, making them invaluable in therapeutic applications. As a subclass of therapeutic proteins, growth and neurotrophic factors have demonstrated immense potential in treating a variety of conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, wound healing disorders, and certain cancers.

Creative BioMart provides high quality growth and neurotrophic factor products for various applications.

Background and Significance

Growth and neurotrophic factors exert their biological effects by binding to specific cell surface receptors and triggering intracellular signaling pathways that regulate gene expression, cell survival and differentiation. This mechanism has been exploited in therapeutic applications to promote tissue repair, nerve regeneration and neuroprotection.

In the nervous system, neurotrophic factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) are critical for neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity. Deficiencies in these proteins have been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Exogenous delivery of these factors has been explored as a potential strategy to mitigate disease progression and enhance neuronal repair.

Similarly, growth factors such as epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) are widely used in regenerative medicine. They facilitate wound healing, bone regeneration and stem cell differentiation, making them essential components in tissue engineering and biomedical research.

Mechanisms of Action

Growth and neurotrophic factors exert their effects by binding to specific membrane receptors and triggering signaling pathways that regulate gene expression, cell proliferation and survival. The most important mechanisms include:

• Activation of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs): Growth factors such as epidermal growth factor (EGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) activate RTKs, leading to downstream signaling through the MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and JAK/STAT pathways.
• Modulation of Neurotrophic Receptors: Neurotrophic factors, including nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), interact with Trk receptors to promote neuronal survival and synaptic plasticity.
• Induction of Angiogenesis and Tissue Repair: Certain growth factors, such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), stimulate angiogenesis and tissue regeneration by activating endothelial and mesenchymal cells.

Applications of Growth & Neurotrophic Factors in Therapy

Neurological Disorders and Neurodegenerative Diseases

• Parkinson's Disease: Neurotrophic proteins help support dopaminergic neurons and reduce neurodegeneration.
• Alzheimer's Disease: Certain growth factors enhance synaptic plasticity and neuronal survival, potentially slowing cognitive decline.
• Spinal Cord Injury: Growth factors promote axonal regeneration and reduce inflammation in spinal injuries.
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Neurotrophic factors contribute to motor neuron survival, providing potential therapeutic benefits.

Wound Healing and Tissue Regeneration

• Chronic Wounds and Burns: EGF and FGF accelerate epithelialization and angiogenesis in non-healing wounds.
• Post-Surgical Recovery: Growth factor-based treatments enhance tissue regeneration following surgical interventions.
• Diabetic Ulcers: FGF and VEGF improve microvascular function and promote tissue repair in diabetic foot ulcers.

Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Regeneration

• Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs): Stimulate bone formation and fracture healing.
• TGF-beta Superfamily: Regulates cartilage and connective tissue development.
• PDGF and IGF: Promote tendon and ligament repair in sports-related injuries.

Cardiovascular and Angiogenic Therapies

• Peripheral Artery Disease: VEGF-based therapies stimulate new blood vessel formation in ischemic tissues.
• Myocardial Infarction Recovery: Growth factor proteins enhance cardiac repair mechanisms after heart attacks.
• Wound Vascularization: VEGF therapies improve microvascular networks, facilitating healing in ischemic conditions.

Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Certain growth factors regulate immune cell activity and promote tissue repair.
• Multiple Sclerosis: Neurotrophic proteins support myelin repair and neuronal protection.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Growth factors contribute to intestinal mucosal healing.

Key Growth & Neurotrophic Factors and Their Therapeutic Applications

Nerve Growth Factor (NGF)

NGF is one of the best characterized neurotrophic factors, known for its role in the survival and maintenance of cholinergic neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems. NGF has been investigated for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, corneal ulcers, and diabetic neuropathy. Recombinant human NGF (rhNGF) has been developed as a therapeutic agent, with clinical trials investigating its potential benefits in cognitive disorders and chronic pain management.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)

BDNF plays a critical role in synaptic plasticity, learning and memory. Reduced levels of BDNF have been associated with neurological disorders such as depression, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. Recombinant BDNF is being investigated for its potential in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders. Experimental approaches include gene therapy and small molecule mimetics to enhance endogenous BDNF expression.

Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF)

GDNF supports the survival and function of dopaminergic neurons, making it a promising candidate for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Clinical trials have investigated the administration of GDNF to restore neuronal function in patients with neurodegeneration. However, challenges related to delivery methods and bioavailability remain under investigation.

Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)

EGF is widely used in regenerative medicine for its ability to stimulate cell proliferation and differentiation. It has been used in wound healing, tissue engineering and cosmetic applications. EGF-based therapies have been used in skin care products for their anti-aging effects and in clinical settings for chronic wound management.

Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF)

FGFs are a large family of growth factors involved in angiogenesis, wound healing and tissue regeneration. FGF-2 (basic FGF) has been extensively studied for its role in neuroprotection and vascular regeneration. Clinical applications of FGF-based therapies include bone repair, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.

Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF)

PDGF plays an important role in wound healing and tissue repair. It stimulates fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix production, making it valuable in orthopedic and dermatological treatments. Recombinant PDGF is used in the treatment of chronic ulcers and periodontitis.

Hot Products

• Cenegermin: A recombinant human NGF approved for the treatment of neurotrophic keratitis, a rare degenerative eye disease.
• Becaplermin: A recombinant PDGF used to promote healing in diabetic foot ulcers.
• Palifermin: A recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) used to prevent and treat oral mucositis in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
• EPO (Erythropoietin): Though primarily a hematopoietic growth factor, recombinant EPO has been explored for neuroprotective effects in ischemic brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases.
• BDNF-based experimental therapies: Several pharmaceutical companies are actively developing BDNF analogs and delivery systems for treating neurodegenerative conditions.

At Creative BioMart, we are committed to providing high-quality, research-grade, GMP-compliant therapeutic proteins to support cutting-edge biomedical research and clinical applications. Our extensive portfolio includes recombinant growth factors, neurotrophic proteins, and custom protein development services tailored to meet the needs of academic and pharmaceutical research.

Whether you are exploring novel neuroprotective strategies or developing regenerative medicine solutions, we offer:

• High-purity recombinant proteins
• Custom protein expression and modification services
• Bulk and GMP-grade manufacturing solutions
• Technical expertise and regulatory support

Contact us today to explore our catalog, request a custom quote, or discuss collaborative opportunities in advancing next-generation biologics.