Growth factor-like domain explained

A growth factor-like domain (GFLD) is a protein domain structurally related to epidermal growth factor, which has a high binding affinity for the epidermal growth factor receptor. As structural domains within larger proteins, GFLD regions commonly bind calcium ions. A subtype present in the N-terminal region of the amyloid precursor protein is a member of the heparin-binding class of GFLDs and may itself have growth factor function, particularly in promoting neuronal development.

References

• Rossjohn J, Cappai R, Feil SC, Henry A, McKinstry WJ, Galatis D, Hesse L, Multhaup G, Beyreuther K, Masters CL, Parker MW . Crystal structure of the N-terminal, growth factor-like domain of Alzheimer amyloid precursor protein . Nature Structural Biology . 6 . 4 . 327–31 . April 1999 . 10201399 . 10.1038/7562 . 30925432 .