Protein family

Colony-stimulating factors family, also known as hematopoietic growth factors, include granulocyte-macrophage-CSF (GM-CSF), macrophage colony formation CSF (M-CSF), granulocyte-CSF (G-CSF), and multi-CSF, which is also referred to as interleukin-3 (IL-3). These CSFs serve various functions such as promoting cell proliferation, facilitating cell maturation, and encouraging cell differentiation.

The Dickkopf (DKK) family comprises four primary secreted proteins: DKK-1, DKK-2, DKK-3, and DKK-4, along with soggy (Sgy-1 or DKKL1), a protein related to DKK-3. These glycoproteins play an important role in numerous biological processes, especially in the regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway.

The Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) family includes EGF and Neuregulins. EGF plays crucial roles in the regulation of cell proliferation, survival, differentiation, and migration. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulates cell growth and differentiation by binding to its receptor, EGFR.

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are a family of 22 proteins (18 secreted proteins and 4 intracellular FGFs) involved in many developmental processes. Fibroblast Growth Factors stimulate growth or differentiation of cells of mesodermal or neuroectodermal origin. Qkine FGF portfolio includes many members of the FGF superfamily: FGF-1, FGF-2, FGF-4, FGF-7, FGF-8a, FGF-8b, FGF-9, FGF-10 and FGF-18.

The Hedgehog protein family includes 3 key members: sonic hedgehog (Shh), Indian hedgehog (Ihh), and desert hedgehog (Dhh). These proteins play diverse roles as signaling agents, participating in various biological processes such as cell differentiation, proliferation, and survival. Shh protein has many applications in the neural stem cell field, where it plays a significant role in iPSC towards motor neurons and interneurons.

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), also known as Scatter factor, acts as a multifunctional cytokine on cells including endothelial and epithelial cells, melanocytes, and keratinocytes. HGF is now recognized as a key player in mediating protection against various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

The insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are proteins with a similar structure to insulin. This family includes ligands and insulin, receptors and insulin receptor, and IGF-binding proteins. The insulin-like growth factor family plays important roles in differentiation, cellular metabolism, proliferation, apoptosis and transformation.

IL superfamily is a large group of cytokines, including proteins known as interleukins and interleukin receptors. Members of this superfamily play pivotal roles in diverse biological processes such as immunity, inflammation, and hematopoiesis. Subgroups within the interleukin superfamily include the IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-17 subfamilies, along with additional interleukins and receptors.

The Neurotrophin family includes Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), Neurotrophin-3, and Neurotrophin-4. Functioning as growth factors, Neurotrophins play crucial roles in regulating the development, survival, and maintenance of neurons within both the central and peripheral nervous systems, thereby contributing significantly to neural plasticity and overall nervous system function.

The PDGF family is composed of PDGF-A, PDGF-B, PDGF-C, and PDGF-D. These four PDGFs remain inactive in their monomeric forms. Upon activation, PDGFs interact with protein tyrosine kinase receptors known as PDGF receptor-α and -β.
PDGFs play essential roles in controlling cell survival, proliferation, and migration both during development and the process of wound healing.

R-spondin family (RSPO) includes 4 secreted glycoproteins (R-spondin 1, R-spondin 2, R-spondin 3, R-spondin 4). Implicated in the activation and regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway, RSPO proteins contribute significantly to various biological processes throughout embryonic development, adult tissue maintenance, and the onset of disease. This family of secreted proteins is also used widely in organoid culture.

Members of the TGF-beta superfamily, such as activins, TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2, TGF-beta 3, GDF-5, GDF-15, GDNF, and BMPs, play crucial roles in governing various developmental and physiological processes. These proteins contribute to the regulation of fundamental cellular properties and vital cellular processes, such as cell growth, differentiation, proliferation, survival, apoptosis, morphogenesis, and tissue remodeling.