Roles of transforming growth factor-alpha in mammary development and disease.
Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGFalpha) is a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family. Expression of TGFalpha is highly regulated in response to exogenous cellular signals including cytokines and other growth factors. The growth factor has been found to be indispensable for proper development of many tissues and organs. TGFalpha has also been implicated in numerous disease states including forms of breast cancer. This minireview summarizes the basic biology of TGFalpha and its actions during normal and pathogenic development of the mammary epithelium.
Booth
Brian W
BW
Mammary Biology and Tumorigenesis Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
Smith
Gilbert H
GH
D000818:Animals; D004194:Disease / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008321:Mammary Glands, Animal / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development*; D051379:Mice; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha / Q000502:physiology*
D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha