Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 17
Takashi Kitajima and Yoshihiro Ito
Nano Medical Engineering Laboratory, RIKEN Advanced Science Institute 2-1
Hirosawa, Wako-shi, Saitama 351-0198 Japan
t-kitajima@riken.jp; y-ito@riken.jp
Growth factors act on cells via diffusible and nondiffusible mech-
anisms. For the design of growth factors for tissue engineering,
regenerative medicine, and cell culture systems, it is important to
consider their mechanisms of action at the cellular and molecular
levels. Here, we summarized and discussed the designs and appli-
cations of gene-engineered binding growth factors.
17.1 Introduction
Growth factors play important roles in wound healing and tissue
regeneration.
1
They are naturally occurring proteins capable of
stimulating cellular growth, proliferation, and cellular differentia-
tion. They are important for the regulation of a variety of cellular
processes and typically act as signaling molecules between cells.
They often promote cell differentiation and maturation, which vary
among growth factors. For example, bone morphogenic proteins
(BMPs) stimulate bone cell differentiation, while fibroblast growth
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