Modulation of TGF-beta signaling by EGF-CFC proteins.
Members of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) family of ligands exhibit potent growth-suppressive and/or apoptosis-inducing effects on different types of cells. They perform essential roles in the elimination of damaged or abnormal cells from healthy tissues. On the other hand, TGF-betas have also been shown to act as tumor-promoting cytokines in a number of malignancies that are capable of stimulating extracellular matrix production, cell migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and immune suppression. Dissecting the complex, multifaceted roles of different TGF-beta-related peptides especially during the development of pathological conditions and in carcinogenesis is an area of continuous research and development. The characterization of EGF-CFC proteins as essential co-receptors that contribute to the modulation of the physiological activities of some of the TGF-beta ligands will be beneficial for future medical research and the adaptation and possible readjustment of currently applied therapeutic regimes.
Wechselberger
Christian
C
Upper Austrian Research GmbH, Center for Biomedical Nanotechnology, Scharitzerstrasse 6-8, 4th floor, 4020 Linz, Austria. christian.wechselberger@uar.at
Bianco
Caterina
C
Strizzi
Luigi
L
Ebert
Andreas D
AD
Kenney
Nicholas
N
Sun
Youping
Y
Salomon
David S
DS
D000818:Animals; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D058851:GPI-Linked Proteins; D006801:Humans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000502:physiology*
D058851:GPI-Linked Proteins; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; C070636:TDGF1 protein, human; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor