Author Description

This volume examines the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which growth factors stimulate fetal and perinatal growth, and explores the use of biotechnology-derived growth factor therapies in preventing and treating perinatal growth disorders. Included are studies on the bone morphogenetic proteins and their role in skeletal formation; the molecular basis of growth hormone action; the autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine actions of peptide growth factors such as insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1); and the role of early response genes in cell growth and differentiation. Full consideration is given to the use of recombinant IGF-1, recombinant hematopoietic growth factors, and other growth factor therapies for perinatal development disorders and blood diseases, as well as for complications resulting from immature organ development.