Numerous growth factors have been isolated, and they are classified into different families on the basis of their target cells, functions, structures and molecular evolution. Some well-known families are demonstrated as follows:
Fibroblast growth factor family
Vascular endothelial growth factor family
Insulin-like growth factor family
Epidermal growth factor family
Platelet-derived growth factor
Nerve growth factor family
Hepatocyte growth factor family
Hepatoma-derived growth factor family
Connective tissue growth factor family
Transforming Growth Factor α (TGFα) family
Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) family
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Fiore M, et al. (2009) Nerve growth factor as a signaling molecule for nerve cells and also for the neuroendocrine-immune systems. Rev Neurosci. 20(2):133-45.
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