Growth factors, peptide hormones, neurotransmitters and other secreted molecules initiate diverse signals involved in controlling cellular growth and proliferation, tissue development and differentiation, cellular metabolism and other biological processes. They initiate signals by binding to a receptor on the cell surface, which then undergoes a conformational change leading to an intracellular signaling cascade.
Signaling by such molecules can be autocrine, paracrine or endocrine. Autocrine signaling refers to the secreted factors binding receptors and inducing a signal on the same or similar cell than the one that produced them; while paracrine signaling consists of the factors acting on adjacent cells or cells nearby the cell that produced them. Endocrine signaling involves the secreted factors traveling and acting on cells at a distance from where they are produced.
Important growth factor families include epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and neurotrophins, which includes brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). These growth factors are crucial in the proliferation and differentiation of epithelial, endothelial and neuronal tissues. Other growth factors, such as insulin growth factor (IGF), have important roles in the regulation of metabolism.
What makes buying antibodies from EpiGentek different?
At EpiGentek, we supply a collection of over 20,000 individual high-quality antibodies for our customers to ensure that our research customers find exactly what they need for their studies. In addition, we offer a variety of other benefits to help our customers in terms of affordability, convenience, and reliability. See why working with EpiGentek for your antibodies is the right choice:
No Shipping & Handling Costs: we’ve waived all shipping and handling fees on our antibodies and antibody panel packs when selecting 2-day shipping (trial sizes not applicable).
100% Application Guarantee: your purchased antibodies are covered for 6-months past the date of purchase.
Multiple Conjugates: we carry biotin, FITC and HRP conjugates for nearly all targets.
Trial Sizes Available: 10 & 20 µl options available for thousands of antibodies in our catalog.