title: The transforming growth factor-betas: structure, signaling, and roles in nervous system development and functions.
abstract: Transforming growth factor-betas (TGF-betas) are among the most widespread and versatile cytokines. Here, we first provide a brief overview of their molecular biology, biochemistry, and signaling. We then review distribution and functions of the three mammalian TGF-beta isoforms, beta1, beta2, and beta3, and their receptors in the developing and adult nervous system. Roles of TGF-betas in the regulation of radial glia, astroglia, oligodendroglia, and microglia are addressed. Finally, we review the current state of knowledge concerning the roles of TGF-betas in controlling neuronal performances, including the regulation of proliferation of neuronal precursors, survival/death decisions, and neuronal differentiation.
authors.affiliation: Neuroanatomy and Center for Neuroscience, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Böttner
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Krieglstein
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Unsicker
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D016923:Cell Death; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002455:Cell Division; D002470:Cell Survival; D006801:Humans; D009024:Morphogenesis; D005810:Multigene Family; D009420:Nervous System / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism*; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000378:metabolism; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism; D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta