TGF-beta induces an inhibitory effect of normal cells directed against transformed cells.
Co-cultivation of normal and transformed fibroblasts in the presence of exogenously added transforming growth factor type beta I (TGF-beta I) leads to a drastic reduction of colony-forming transformed cells. This inhibitory effect is dependent both on the dose of TGF-beta applied and the density of normal cells. It does not reflect a direct action of TGF-beta on transformed cells, but is rather induced by TGF-beta in normal cells. In the absence of exogenously added TGF-beta, normal cells exhibit a basal inhibitory activity, which can be abrogated by anti-TGF-beta. TGF-beta-mediated inhibition of transformed cells by normal cells may be considered as a novel potent controlling step in carcinogenesis.
Höfler
P
P
Abteilung Virologie, Universität Freiburg, Germany.
Wehrle
I
I
Bauer
G
G
D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002460:Cell Line; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000187:drug effects*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D051379:Mice; D051381:Rats; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000494:pharmacology*
D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta