Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta).
The TGF-beta family of cytokines are ubiquitous, multifunctional and essential to survival. They play important roles in growth and development, inflammation and repair and host immunity. The mammalian TGF-beta isoforms (TGF-beta 1, beta 2 and beta 3) are secreted as latent precursors and have multiple cell surface receptors of which at least two mediate signal transduction. Autocrine and paracrine effects of TGF-beta's can be modified by extracellular matrix, neighbouring cells and other cytokines. The vital role of the TGF-beta family is illustrated by the fact that approximately 50% of TGF-beta 1 gene knockout mice die in utero and the remainder succumb to uncontrolled inflammation after birth. TGF-beta 2 and TGF-beta 3 gene knockout mice are not yet described. More recently, novel TGF-beta-like molecules have been described which share some of the properties of the mammalian TGF-beta isoforms. The role of TGF-beta in homeostatic and pathogenic processes suggests numerous applications in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases characterised by inflammation and fibrosis.
Clark
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DA
Department of Medicine, Pathology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont., Canada. clarkd@csu.fhs.mcmaster.ca
Coker
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R
D000818:Animals; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006128:Growth / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity; D007249:Inflammation / Q000503:physiopathology; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D011247:Pregnancy; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015398:Signal Transduction; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta