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How cells read TGF-beta signals

J Massagué1

  • 1Cell Biology Program and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Box 116, 1275 York Avenue, New York, New York 10021, USA. j-massague@ski.mskcc.org

Nature Reviews. Molecular Cell Biology
|March 17, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling regulates cell growth, differentiation, and death. Cell-specific molecules determine how cells respond to TGF-beta, maintaining vital biological control.

Area of Science:

  • Cell biology
  • Molecular signaling
  • Developmental biology

Background:

  • Cellular processes like proliferation, differentiation, and death are tightly regulated by cell-cell signals.
  • Disruption of this regulatory control can lead to severe health consequences.
  • The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) family is a key regulator of these cellular processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular networks that dictate cell-specific responses to TGF-beta.
  • To understand how cellular context shapes the diverse biological outcomes of TGF-beta signaling.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of cell-specific molecular components.
  • Investigating the interplay between genetic makeup and cellular environment.
  • Mapping signaling pathways involved in TGF-beta response.

Main Results:

  • Identification of key cell-specific molecules that modulate TGF-beta signaling.
  • Demonstration of how cellular context influences TGF-beta-induced responses.
  • Elucidation of diverse cellular outcomes driven by TGF-beta.

Conclusions:

  • Cell-specific molecular networks are crucial for tailoring TGF-beta responses.
  • Understanding these networks is essential for comprehending normal development and disease pathogenesis.
  • Targeting these networks may offer therapeutic strategies for TGF-beta-related disorders.

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