title: The structural basis of TGF-beta, bone morphogenetic protein, and activin ligand binding.
abstract: The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily is a large group of structurally related growth factors that play prominent roles in a variety of cellular processes. The importance and prevalence of TGF-beta signaling are also reflected by the complex network of check points that exist along the signaling pathway, including a number of extracellular antagonists and membrane-level signaling modulators. Recently, a number of important TGF-beta crystal structures have emerged and given us an unprecedented clarity on several aspects of the signal transduction process. This review will highlight these latest advances and present our current understanding on the mechanisms of specificity and regulation on TGF-beta signaling outside the cell.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurobiology and Physiology, Northwestern University, 2205 Tech Drive, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
authors.forename: S Jack
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Thomas F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Lerch
authors.forename: Robert W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Cook
authors.forename: Theodore S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Jardetzky
authors.forename: Teresa K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Woodruff
mesh_terms: D028341:Activins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008024:Ligands; D011485:Protein Binding; D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; D008024:Ligands; D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D028341:Activins