title: Autocrine growth factor revisited: PC-cell-derived growth factor (progranulin), a critical player in breast cancer tumorigenesis.
abstract: PC-cell derived growth factor (PCDGF), also known as granulin precursor or progranulin, is the largest member of a family of growth modulators characterized by a unique cysteine-rich motif. Biological and pathological studies point out to the importance of this growth factor in breast cancer and other human cancers, where it stimulates proliferation and survival, and promotes metastasis. These studies suggest that PCDGF is a suitable therapeutic and diagnostic target for the development of novel cancer therapy and diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: A&G Pharmaceutical Inc., Columbia, MD 21045, USA. gserrero@agrx.net
authors.forename: Ginette
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Serrero
mesh_terms: D019898:Autocrine Communication; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism; D018270:Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D004967:Estrogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D020935:MAP Kinase Signaling System; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism; D019869:Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D000077153:Progranulins
chemical_list: D004967:Estrogens; D006023:Glycoproteins; D006133:Growth Substances; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D000077153:Progranulins; D019869:Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases