| pro-transforming growth factor-alpha processing protease | <enzyme> Converts membrane-bound protgf-alpha to soluble tgf-alpha; mw 84 kD Registry number: EC 3.4.21.- Synonym: protgf-alpha converting enzyme, protgfalpha processing protease (26 Jun 1999) |
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| schwannoma derived growth factor | <growth factor> A growth factor containing an EGF like domain, mitogenic for astrocytes, Schwann cells and fibroblasts. (18 Nov 1997) |
| nerve growth factor | <growth factor> A peptide (13.26 kD) of 118 amino acids (usually dimeric) with both chemotropic and chemotrophic properties for sympathetic and sensory neurons. Found in a variety of peripheral tissues, nerve growth factor attracts neurites to the tissues by chemotropism, where they form synapses. The successful neurons are then protected from neuronal death by continuing supplies of nerve growth factor. It is also found at exceptionally high levels in snake venom and male mouse submaxillary salivary glands, from which it is commercially extracted. Nerve growth factor was the first of a family of nerve tropic factors to be discovered. Amino acids 1-81 show homology with proinsulin. Besides its peripheral actions, nerve growth factor selectively enhances the growth of cholinergic neurons that project to the forebrain and that degenerate in Alzheimer's disease. Acronym: NGF (18 Nov 1997) |
| nerve growth factor antiserum | An antiserum containing antibodies against nerve growth factor; when injected into newborn animals the majority of sympathetic ganglion cells are permanently destroyed, resulting in hypoinnervation of peripheral tissues. Synonym: NGF antiserum. (05 Mar 2000) |
| insulin like growth factor | <growth factor> Insulin like growth factors I and II are polypeptides with considerable sequence similarity to insulin. They are capable of eliciting the same biological responses, including mitogenesis in cell culture. On the cell surface, there are two types of insulin like growth factor receptor, one of which closely resembles the insulin receptor (which is also present). Insulin like growth factor I = somatomedin A = somatomedin C Insulin like growth factor II = MSA (Multiplication stimulating activity). Insulin like growth factor 1 is released from the liver in response to growth hormone. Acronym: IGF (18 Nov 1997) |
| insulin-like growth-factor binding protein 1 | One of the six homologous proteins that specifically bind insulin-like growth factors (somatomedins) and modulate their mitogenic and metabolic actions. The function of this protein is not completely defined. However, several studies demonstrate that it inhibits igf binding to cell surface receptors and thereby inhibits igf-mediated mitogenic and cell metabolic actions. (proc soc exp biol med 1993;204(1):4-29) (12 Dec 1998) |
| insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2 | One of the six homologous soluble proteins that bind insulin-like growth factors (somatomedins) and modulate their mitogenic and metabolic actions at the cellular level. (12 Dec 1998) |
| insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 | One of the six homologous soluble proteins that bind insulin-like growth factors (somatomedins) and modulate their mitogenic and metabolic actions at the cellular level. (12 Dec 1998) |
| insulin like growth-factor-binding protein 4 | One of the six homologous soluble proteins that bind insulin-like growth factors (somatomedins) and modulate their mitogenic and metabolic actions at the cellular level. (12 Dec 1998) |
| insulin-like growth-factor-binding-protein 5 | One of the six homologous soluble proteins that bind insulin-like growth factors (somatomedins) and modulate their mitogenic and metabolic actions at the cellular level. (12 Dec 1998) |
| insulin-like-growth-factor-binding protein 6 | One of the six homologous soluble proteins that bind insulin-like growth factors (somatomedins) and modulate their mitogenic and metabolic actions at the cellular level. (12 Dec 1998) |
| insulin-like growth-factor-binding proteins | A family of soluble proteins that bind insulin-like growth factors and modulate their biological actions at the cellular level. (int j gynaecol obstet 1992;39(1):3-9) (12 Dec 1998) |
| insulin-like growth factor I | <chemical> A well-characterised basic peptide believed to be secreted by the liver and to circulate in the blood. It has growth-regulating, insulin-like, and mitogenic activities. This growth factor has a major, but not absolute, dependence on somatotropin. It is believed to be mainly active in adults in contrast to insulin-like growth factor II, which is a major foetal growth factor. Chemical name: Insulin-like growth factor I (12 Dec 1998) |
| insulin-like growth factor II | <chemical> A well-characterised neutral peptide believed to be secreted by the liver and to circulate in the blood. It has growth-regulating, insulin-like and mitogenic activities. The growth factor has a major, but not absolute, dependence on somatotropin. It is believed to be a major foetal growth factor in contrast to insulin-like growth factor I, which is a major growth factor in adults. Chemical name: Insulin-like growth factor II (12 Dec 1998) |
| T-cell growth factor | <cytokine> A hormone-like substance released by stimulated T lymphocytes, causes activation and differentiation of other T lymphocytes independently of antigen. A type of interleukin, a chemical messenger, a substance that can improve the body's response to disease. It stimulates the growth of certain disease-fighting blood cells in the immune system. It is secreted by Thl CD4 cells to stimulate CD8 cytotoxic T-1yrnphocytes. Interleukin 2 also increases the proliferation and maturation of the CD4 cells themselves. During HIV infection, Interleukin-2 production gradually declines. Use of interleukin 2 therapy is under study as a way to raise CD4 cell counts and restore immune function. Acronym: IL-2 (12 Dec 1998) |