title: Transforming growth factors in the urine of normal, pregnant, and tumor-bearing humans.
abstract: Transforming growth factor (TGF) activities could be detected in the urine of normal, pregnant, and tumor-bearing humans. These acid- and heat-stable polypeptides competed for binding to epidermal growth factor (EGF) membrane receptors and promoted the anchorage-independent growth of nontransformed rodent cells. They differed from human EGF in their apparent molecular weights and soft-agar growth-stimulating activity. The urine from pregnant females contained TGF activities with apparent molecular weight(s) (relative) (Mr) of 10,000 ad 17,000--20,000. In the case of a lung cancer patient, an additional major activity of approximately 30,000--35,000 Mr was found. All urine specimens examined also contained a "common" 8,000-Mr soft-agar growth-stimulating activity, which competed for binding to EGF membrane receptors and which was chromatographically separable from EGF (urogastrone). Thus urine may provide a convenient and readily available source for the biochemical characterization of these TGF-like activities, some of which may be clinically useful biologic markers for certain types of cancer.
mesh_terms: D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000652:urine; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002850:Chromatography, Gel; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D005260:Female; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000652:urine*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000652:urine
chemical_list: D006133:Growth Substances