Current Directions In Insulin Like Growth Factor Research

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.

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Over the past five years there has been an explosion of "targeted therapies" for cancer treatment. In most cases, these therapies have been based on pre-clinical data showing that specific molecules play an important role in regulating the malignant phenotype. In breast cancer, there is compelling rationale that such targeted strategies should be successful. Targeting of estrogen receptor ? (ER?) has proven to be a successful way to reduce breast cancer risk, decrease the risk of death and recurrence in an adjuvant setting, and remains the first choice of treatment for advanced disease. With this success, it is hoped that other molecular pathways could also be successfully exploited. This publication reviews the role of the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) in breast cancer. Over 100 years ago George Beatson made an intuitive leap connecting breast cancer therapy with ovarian function He removed the ovaries from a premenopausal woman with breast cancer; he reasoned that ovarian function regulated normal mammary gland function, therefore the ovaries may influence the malignant phenotype. Other discussion included cover the function of IGF action in the normal mammary gland using mouse model systems where expression and function can be manipulated and the patterns of expression of the IGFs, their binding proteins, and their receptors in the normal gland.

Gigantism and Acromegaly brings together pituitary experts, taking readers from bench research, to genetic analysis, clinical analysis, and new therapeutic approaches. This book serves as a reference for growth hormone over-secretion and its diagnosis and treatment for endocrinologists, pediatricians, internists, and neurosurgeons, and for geneticists. Pharmaceutical companies may use it as a reference for drug development and research. Students, residents and fellows in medicine and endocrinology and genetics will also find it valuable as it provides a single up-to-date review of the molecular biology of gigantism and acromegaly as well as recommended approaches to evaluation and management. Acromegaly is a rare pituitary disorder that slowly changes its adult victim’s appearance over time: larger hands and feet, bigger jaw, forehead, nose, and lips. Generally, a benign pituitary tumor is the cause and symptoms of acromegaly can vary from patient to patient, making a diagnosis difficult and prolonging suffering for years. Early detection is key in the management of acromegaly as the pathologic effects of increased growth hormone (GH) production are progressive and can be life-threatening as the result of associated cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and respiratory disorders and malignancies. Accessible, up-to-date overview of the characteristics, state-of-the-art diagnostic procedures, and management of acromegaly and gigantism Provides a unique compendium of endocrinology, genetics, clinical diagnosis and therapeutics Contains contributions from internationally known experts who have treated patients with acromegaly and gigantism

This series provides a variety of different discussions on topics within the field of growth factors and cytokines in health and disease.

For more than seventy years evidence has accumulated documenting the existence of a bi-directional communication network between growth hormone and the immune system. In the past twenty years there has been a tremendous proliferation of information detailing the workings of the growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor axis. A multitude of growth factors and binding proteins have been identified. More and more evidence supporting the important role of the growth hormone IGF network in the well functioning of the normal immune system has been documented. Clearly the challenge today is not to prove, but to understand, the neuroimmune regulatory role of GLH in its entire complexity. The ultimate goal of this volume and of all the other volumes of this series is to promote the understanding of the science and to ease human suffering.

The family of IGFBPs has been developed by the duplication of genes and genomes and contributes to genetic and functional diversity. Due to the different protein domains present in the molecule, IGFBPs can be seen as mediators of tissue-specific IGF-functions. However, IGFBPs also have IGF-independent functions both inside and outside the cell. These diverse genetic, molecular and functional aspects of IGFBPs are discussed within this Research Topic. Accumulating data provide evidence for the regulation of IGFBP-functions by proteases, which may acutely regulate bioactivity of the IGFs. However, during proteolytic degradation IGFBP-fragments with novel functions can also be formed and are located both intra- and extracellularly. Distinct IGFBP-fragments can even be found in the perinuclear compartment or within the nucleus, where they can impact on gene expression. Several contributions presented in the current Research Topic particularly stress the relevance of structural aspects in IGFBP research. The current lack of comprehensive structural information is dramatically limiting the biomarker potential of particular IGFBPs. Finally, the Research Topic also provides novel functions of the IGFBP family from model organisms, farm animals and humans. Thereby, the biomarker potential not only relates to normal and malignant growth but also to metabolism and animal welfare. One important aim of the Research Topic is to encourage next generation IGFBP research reflecting subject-individual, conditional, and hormonal parameters but also structural aspects of the IGFBPs.

International Review of Cytology presents current advances and comprehensive reviews in cell biology-both plant and animal. Articles address structure and control of gene expression, nucleocytoplasmic interactions, control of cell development and differentiation, and cell transformation and growth. Authored by some of the foremost scientists in the field, each volume provides up-to-date information and directions for future research. Phylogeny of the Insulin-Like Growth Factors Secretion of Mucous Granules and Other Membrane-Bound Structures Immune-Endocrine Interactions in the Mammalian Adrenal Gland Ryanodine-Sensitive Ca2+-Release Channels