Methods for measuring TGF-b using antibodies, cells, and mice

The transforming growth factor (TGF)-betas are essential in pre- and postnatal development, differentiation and morphogenesis of higher organisms. Quantitation of the levels of TGF-beta synthesis, secretion, and activation are crucial for grasping the mechanisms that control these events and ultimately control TGF-beta action. Rather than presenting a single method, we describe several methods for measuring active TGF-beta in different experimental situations. This is possible as a result of advances in transgenic mice technology that allow in vivo TGF-beta measurements in addition to the more established in vitro approaches.