Growth factor receptor

A growth factor receptor is a receptor which binds to growth factor. Growth factor receptors are the first stop in cells where the signaling cascade for cell differentiation and proliferation begins. Growth factors, which are ligands that bind to the receptor are the initial step to activating the growth factor receptors and tells the cell to grow and/or divide.

These receptors may use the JAK/STAT, MAP kinase, and PI3 kinase pathways.