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Updated: Aug 18, 2026

Molecular Analysis of Endothelial-mesenchymal Transition Induced by Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling
07:49

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Published on: August 3, 2018

Latent TGF-beta binding proteins: extracellular matrix association and roles in TGF-beta activation

Marko Hyytiäinen1, Carita Penttinen, Jorma Keski-Oja

  • 1Department of Virology, Haartman Institute and Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Finland.

Critical Reviews in Clinical Laboratory Sciences
|August 17, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Transforming growth factor-betas (TGF-betas) are crucial growth factors that regulate cell proliferation and matrix production. Their targeted delivery and activation via latent TGF-beta binding proteins (LTBPs) are vital for in vivo function.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Transforming growth factor-betas (TGF-betas) are pleiotropic growth factors regulating cell proliferation and extracellular matrix production.
  • TGF-betas are secreted as latent complexes comprising mature TGF-beta, latency-associated propeptide (LAP), and latent TGF-beta binding protein (LTBP).
  • LTBPs target these latent complexes to specific extracellular matrix locations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the importance of latent TGF-beta activation and LTBP-mediated targeting in vivo.
  • To contrast in vitro studies with in vivo mechanisms of TGF-beta action.
  • To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms governing TGF-beta activation.

Main Methods:

  • Review of experimental approaches demonstrating the significance of latent TGF-beta activation.
  • Analysis of the role of LTBPs in targeting TGF-beta effects.
  • Investigation of cellular recognition and proteolytic events in TGF-beta activation.

Main Results:

  • In vivo, TGF-beta is secreted as a latent complex with specific targeting.
  • LTBPs are crucial for the targeted delivery and localization of TGF-beta.
  • Activation of latent TGF-beta involves cellular recognition of LTBP-associated complexes and proteolytic events.

Conclusions:

  • The targeted secretion and activation of latent TGF-beta complexes are essential for its biological functions.
  • Cellular recognition of extracellular matrix-associated LTBPs and subsequent proteolytic events regulate TGF-beta activation.
  • Integrins and plasminogen activation play key roles in modulating TGF-beta activation processes.

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