Differential expression of the TGF-beta isoforms in embryogenesis suggests specific roles in developing and adult tissues. |
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Authors: | A B Roberts M B Sporn |
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Affiliation: | Laboratory of Chemoprevention, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892. |
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Abstract: | The TGF-beta's are multifunctional, pleiotropic molecules with major effects in control of cellular migration, cellular proliferation, and elaboration of extracellular matrix. Thus far, five distinct isoforms of TGF-beta have been described, each approximately 65-85% homologous and containing the characteristic 9 positionally conserved cysteine residues. Although the actions of the activated mature forms of the different isoforms on cells are qualitatively similar in most cases, there are a few examples of distinct activities. For example, TGF-beta's 1 and 3, but not TGF-beta 2, inhibit the growth of large vessel endothelial cells, and TGF-beta's 2 and 3, but not TGF-beta 1, inhibit the survival of cultured embryonic chick ciliary ganglionic neurons. In addition, selective targeting of the latent forms of the TGF-beta's is suggested by the observation that latent TGF-beta 2 is the prominent isoform found in body fluids such as amniotic fluid, breast milk, and the aqueous and vitreous humor of the eye; it is noteworthy in this regard that TGF-beta 2 is unique among various isoforms in that it lacks a RGD integrin-binding sequence in its precursor. The most dramatic differences in the TGF-beta isoforms are seen at the level of expression, where there is now a wealth of data demonstrating both spatially and temporally distinct expression of both the mRNAs and proteins in developing tissues, regenerating tissues, and in pathologic responses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) |
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Keywords: | Transforming growth factor-β Embryogenesis Isoforms |
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