title: Latent forms of transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-beta 2) in breast cyst fluid.
abstract: Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is secreted by cells in high molecular weight, latent forms and the in vivo mechanisms for the activation remain largely an enigma. Women who have palpable breast cyst with intracystic Na/K < 3 may have a higher risk of developing breast cancer than those with intracystic Na/K > 3. Finding of significantly higher concentrations of TGF-beta 2 in the Na/K > 3 group than Na/K < 3 group may explain the lower risk of breast cancer in the Na/K > 3 group. The aim of the present study was to characterise the latent forms of TGF-beta 2 in breast cyst fluid using HPLC, affinity chromatography, SDS-PAGE and immunostaining techniques. We found that TGF-beta 2 is present in high molecular weight, latent forms in breast cyst fluid: as a complex, probably with alpha 2-macroglobulin and a 56 kD protein which is likely to be a precursor form of TGF-beta 2.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Erbas
authors.forename: T W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Lennard
authors.forename: L C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Lai
mesh_terms: D002846:Chromatography, Affinity; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D005348:Fibrocystic Breast Disease / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008970:Molecular Weight; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta