The study of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) family has become an exciting area of investigation. Initially, this family consisted of ligands (insulin, IGF-I and IGF-m and receptors (the insulin receptor, the type I or IGF-I receptor and the type II or IGF-IYM-6-P receptor). Subsequently, it was discovered that six specific binding proteips (lGFBPs 1-6) playa major role in the actions of this growth factor family. In addition, there are now more potential receptors when one considers the possible roles of the insulin-receptor related receptor (IRR) and hybrid receptor dimers composed of insulin and IGF-I receptor (half-receptors). Another important aspect of this area of research is the realization that the IGFs are not only essential for normal growth and development but, in addition play an important role in the normal specialized function(s) of all tissues of the body, including the nervous system, skeleton, reproductive system, kidney, and the immune system, to name but a few. The development of recombi!tant human IGF-I for clinical testing has been a major breakthrough for investigators. Potential uses include wound healing, reversal of catabolic states, diabetes, bone remodeling, recovery from acute renal failure and many others. will determine both its use and its potential hazards.

This volume addresses a fundamental puzzle in biology and medicine, namely, how does tissue develop, repair and replace itself. The answer appears to lie in growth factors and their regulation. To thrive and survive we need growth factors and this book concentrates on two factors that are related to growth hormone. Growth hormone does not act directly on all tissues, but mediates many of its actions through the release of insulin-like growth factors from the liver. The growth factors were originally called somatomedins by McConaghey and Sledge (1), who discovered that they mediated growth-like effects of growth hormone. However, the factors were purified on the basis of their insulinomimetic actions on fat and muscle and it is their relationship to the insulin family of pep tides that now gives them their name (2,3) of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs). They mediate the actions of. growth hormone on the proteoglycan synthesis of cartilage and produce mitogenic effects in fibroblast cultures.

First published in 1943, Vitamins and Hormones is the longest-running serial published by Academic Press. The Editorial Board now reflects expertise in the field of hormone action, vitamin action, X-ray crystal structure, physiology, and enzyme mechanisms. Under the capable and qualified editorial leadership of Dr. Gerald Litwack, Vitamins and Hormones continues to publish cutting-edge reviews of interest to endocrinologists, biochemists, nutritionists, pharmacologists, cell biologists, and molecular biologists. Others interested in the structure and function of biologically active molecules like hormones and vitamins will, as always, turn to this series for comprehensive reviews by leading contributors to this and related disciplines.This volume focuses on insulin and IGFs. Longest running series published by Academic Press Contributions by leading international authorities

Annotation G.V. Sherbet provides insights into the signalling processes involved in morphogenesis and pathogenesis with emphasis on using the elements of the signalling cascades as targets for therapeutic deployment. The book focuses on the relationships and convergence of growth factors and their receptors in development and pathogenesis.

Hormones and Growth Factors in Development and Neoplasia Edited by Robert B. Dickson, Lombardi Cancer Research Center, Georgetown University David S. Salomon, Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, National Cancer Institute, NIH The study of hormones is critical to our understanding of developmental aberrations leading to cancer, and the discovery of polypeptide growth factors has led to profound insights into the duality of control of development and cancer by hormones at the tissue and cellular levels. In this book, leading researchers in the field present a cohesive overview of several important growth factor systems and how they interact with endocrine hormones in the context of tissue-tissue interactions; control of cellular growth, differentiation, and death; and reciprocal control of receptors and ligands at the molecular level. In its first two sections, Hormones and Growth Factors in Development and Neoplasia introduces important growth factors and hormonal systems in invertebrate and amphibian model systems, highlights early evolutionary and developmental functions for the classes of molecules later shown to be important in human cancer, establishes the roles of growth factors and hormones in mammalian development, and focuses on early embryonic events and later events leading to sexual dimorphism. The book's third section discusses in detail the control of postnatal developmental processes in male and female reproductive tracts, focusing on the prostate and mammary glands as well as the female reproductive tract, all of which are of special importance in hormonally driven cancers. Finally, the book takes a direct look at cancers and the molecular mechanisms of hormone-growth factor interactions. Among the many topics covered in this timely volume are: * Ecdysone in development of Drosophila * The progesterone receptor in mammalian development * Regulation of cell survival and apoptosis in the reproductive tracts and the breast * Hormones, growth factors, oncogenes, and prostate cancer With its novel approach, authoritative coverage, and broad scope, Hormones and Growth Factors in Development and Neoplasia is informative and relevant for researchers across a spectrum of disciplines, including cancer research, endocrinology, developmental biology, and cell biology.

Traditionally, intercellular communication and the regulation of biological functions of the body have been considered the role of two major and distinct systems: the nervous system and the endocrine system. The classic nervous system transmitted its signal rapidly by using electrical currents, whereas the signals used by the endocrine system were hormones produced by endocrine glands which reached the target tissues via the blood stream. During the past few decades, it has become apparent that these systems of intercellular com munication are not distinct and the signal messenger molecules are not unique to one or the other system. Many classic endocrine hormones are found in and act on nervous tissues and evidence exists for their de novo synthesis by neural related tissues. An exciting development in this area is the possibility that insulin and insulin-like growth factors (IGF) are not only produced by neural tissues but also exert profound physiological and biochemical effects on these tissues. The area of investigation of CNS insulin and IGF has been expanding rapidly and the availability of this book complete with up-to-date reviews on the subject by leaders in the field allows other scientists to utilize the knowledge in planning and adapting the latest ideas for future experiments. In addition, the book provides a collection of up-to-date articles for teachers to be used for the latest instructional material. The first section of the book covers general aspects of insulin receptors and insulin action.