Keratinocyte growth factor: a unique player in epithelial repair processes.
Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) is a member of the rapidly growing fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family of mitogens. Whereas most FGFs influence proliferation and/or differentiation of various cell types, KGF seems to act specifically on epithelial cells. It has been demonstrated that KGF stimulates proliferation and migration of these cells, but it also affects differentiation processes. Finally, recent studies have demonstrated a protective function of this growth factor in vitro and in vivo. Due to these properties, KGF could play an important role in repair processes. Indeed a series of studies have provided insight into the expression and function of KGF in inflammation and repair of various tissues and organs, and a therapeutic potential of this growth factor has been demonstrated.
Werner
S
S
Max-Planck-Institut für Biochemie, Martinsried, Germany. werner@biochem.mpg.de
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002455:Cell Division; D002465:Cell Movement; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D051526:Fibroblast Growth Factor 10; D051523:Fibroblast Growth Factor 7; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007249:Inflammation / Q000503:physiopathology; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D051497:Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2; D017468:Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor; D017978:Receptors, Growth Factor / Q000502:physiology; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
C496453:FGF7 protein, human; D051526:Fibroblast Growth Factor 10; D006133:Growth Substances; D017468:Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor; D017978:Receptors, Growth Factor; D051523:Fibroblast Growth Factor 7; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors; D051497:Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2; C065104:keratinocyte growth factor receptor