title: Transforming growth factors--an overview.
abstract: Transforming Growth Factors (TGFs) are a sub-group of a larger family of protein hormones. Two major types of TGF are currently known, alpha-TGF and beta-TGF. Biologically their most important property is to act synergistically to induce anchorage-independent growth of target cells otherwise incapable of such growth. Since this growth parameter is well correlated with tumorigenicity in vivo, these factors may play a role in cancer development. Biochemically both alpha-TGF and beta-TGF have been well characterised in some types of cells and tissues. Their role in normal and neoplastic growth is actively studied.
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Lawrence
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001681:Biological Assay; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002455:Cell Division; D002460:Cell Line; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D010452:Peptide Biosynthesis; D010455:Peptides / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology*; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000378:metabolism; D015291:Transforming Growth Factors
chemical_list: D010455:Peptides; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D015291:Transforming Growth Factors; D066246:ErbB Receptors