Growth factors and bladder cancer: clinical implications of the interactions between growth factors and their urothelial receptors.
Growth factors (GFs) are a class of proteins that bind to specific cell surface receptors (GF-Rs), inducing a variety of responses including mitosis, in susceptible target cells. Abnormal production, expression, and/or function of GFs or GF-Rs can result in unregulated growth, the hallmark of malignant transformation. This chapter reviews those GFs/GF-Rs that have been linked to human bladder cancer. It focuses particularly on one [epidermal growth factor (EGF), which is excreted in urine in high concentrations] and its possible role in the development and growth of urothelial malignancy. Potential clinical applications in diagnosis, staging, prevention, and treatment are discussed.
Messing
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Division of Urology and Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.
D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000502:physiology / Q000652:urine; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000502:physiology; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D011986:Receptors, Somatotropin / Q000502:physiology*; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy / Q000652:urine
D006133:Growth Substances; D011986:Receptors, Somatotropin; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor; D066246:ErbB Receptors