title: Functions of transforming growth factor-beta isoforms in the nervous system. Cues based on localization and experimental in vitro and in vivo evidence.
abstract: This review briefly describes the cellular distribution and documented roles of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta isoforms TGF-beta2 and -beta3 in the central and peripheral nervous system. TGF-beta2 and -beta3 are coexpressed in developing radial glial and mature astroglial and Schwann cells, as well as in subpopulations of differentiated neurons, most prominently in cortical, hippocampal, and brainstem/spinal cord motor neurons. In vitro studies have suggested a number of potential, physiologically relevant functions for TGF-betas including regulation of astroglial cell proliferation, expression of adhesion molecules, survival promoting roles for neurons in combination with established neurotrophic factors, and differentiative actions on neurons.
authors: Neuroanatomy and Interdisciplinary Center for Neuroscience (IZN), University of Heidelberg, Germany. klaus.unsicker@urz.uni-heidelberg.de
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Unsicker
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Strelau
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D008817:Mice, Mutant Strains; D017933:Peripheral Nervous System / Q000378:metabolism*; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D020033:Protein Isoforms; D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta