Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)

Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 1998 Mar;30(3):293-8. doi: 10.1016/s1357-2725(97)00128-3.

Abstract

The TGF-beta family of cytokines are ubiquitous, multifunctional and essential to survival. They play important roles in growth and development, inflammation and repair and host immunity. The mammalian TGF-beta isoforms (TGF-beta 1, beta 2 and beta 3) are secreted as latent precursors and have multiple cell surface receptors of which at least two mediate signal transduction. Autocrine and paracrine effects of TGF-beta's can be modified by extracellular matrix, neighbouring cells and other cytokines. The vital role of the TGF-beta family is illustrated by the fact that approximately 50% of TGF-beta 1 gene knockout mice die in utero and the remainder succumb to uncontrolled inflammation after birth. TGF-beta 2 and TGF-beta 3 gene knockout mice are not yet described. More recently, novel TGF-beta-like molecules have been described which share some of the properties of the mammalian TGF-beta isoforms. The role of TGF-beta in homeostatic and pathogenic processes suggests numerous applications in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases characterised by inflammation and fibrosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Embryonic and Fetal Development / physiology
  • Female
  • Growth / physiology
  • Humans
  • Immunity
  • Inflammation / physiopathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Pregnancy
  • Recombinant Proteins / therapeutic use
  • Signal Transduction
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / genetics
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / physiology*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta