Morphogens

Morphogens are signaling molecules that are found in most multicellular organisms and help to guide the growth and development of tissues and organs in the body. Morphogens are secreted from specific places in the body and diffuse over a short distance, creating a concentration gradient that interacts with tissues and organs. These gradients activate signaling pathways that influence things such as cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Morphogens play an important role in tissue patterning, development, and maintenance of homeostasis across the lifespan. They are being studied as possible therapies for diseases, such as cancer, and as a means to regenerate damaged or aged tissue.