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 (April 1999). "Crystal structure of the N-terminal, growth factor-like domain of Alzheimer amyloid precursor protein". Nature Structural Biology. 6 (4): 327–31. doi:10.1038/7562. PMID 10201399. S2CID 30925432.