The TGF-beta family: signaling pathways, developmental roles, and tumor suppressor activities.
Intercellular communication is a critical process for all multicellular organisms, and communication among cells is required for proper embryonic development and adult physiology. Members of the Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-beta) family of secreted proteins communicate information between cells via a complex signaling pathway, and family members are capable of inducing a wide range of cellular responses. The purpose of this review is to provide the reader with a broad introduction to our current understanding of three aspects of the TGF-beta family. These are the molecular mechanisms utilized by TGF-beta signaling pathways, the developmental roles played by TGF-beta family members in a variety of species, and the growing list of cancers in which various TGF-beta signaling pathways display tumor suppressor activity.
Johnson
Aaron N
AN
Department of Biology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287-1501, USA. a.n.johnson@asu.edu
Newfeld
Stuart J
SJ
D000818:Animals; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D009024:Morphogenesis; D009154:Mutation; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D011499:Protein Processing, Post-Translational; D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000145:classification / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D025521:Tumor Suppressor Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D025521:Tumor Suppressor Proteins