TGF-beta activation by traction?

Trends Cell Biol. 2004 Dec;14(12):657-9. doi: 10.1016/j.tcb.2004.10.003.

Abstract

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-betas are powerful cytokines that are secreted as inactive (latent) precursors into the extracellular space. To exert their pleiotropic functions, latent TGF-betas require activation. This requisite restricts TGF-beta signaling to tissues that express TGF-beta-activating proteins such as the adhesion molecule alphavbeta6 integrin. Recent work has uncovered the molecular mechanism by which alphavbeta6 integrin activates latent TGF-beta. Latent-TGF-beta-binding protein 1 has been identified as being the major component of this process, and the integrin-interacting region has been mapped to a poorly conserved sequence stretch called the hinge region.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / metabolism
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Integrins / metabolism
  • Integrins / physiology*
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / physiology*
  • Latent TGF-beta Binding Proteins
  • Models, Biological
  • Protein Isoforms / physiology
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / physiology*

Substances

  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • Integrins
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Latent TGF-beta Binding Proteins
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • integrin alphavbeta6