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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells
Published on: October 27, 2020
[TGF beta signalling accessory receptors]
Jacek Mokrosiński1, Wanda Małgorzata Krajewska
1Department of Cytobiochemistry, University of Lodz, 12/16 Banacha St., 90-237 Lodz, Poland.
Abstract:
TGF beta signalling pathways apart from receptors, their ligands and intracellular effectors consist of proteins capable to bind ligands which are not classical receptors. They do not transmit the signal directly into the cell but by their interaction with TGF beta family factors and TGF beta type I and II receptors can influence TGF beta cascade activity. There are three proteins characterised by such features i.e., betaglycan (TGF beta RIII), endoglin (CD105) and antigen CD109 which are commonly called as TGF beta accessory/auxiliary receptors or TGF beta type III receptors. Their key function is to modulate accessibility of ligands to TGF beta type I and II receptors. The role of TGF beta accessory receptors has been well documented for signal transduction via TGF beta isoforms--TGF beta 1, TGF beta 2 and TGF beta 3. Each TGF beta accessory receptor has different TGF beta isoforms binding specificity and cellular response character. TGF beta cascade is the only known cellular signalling pathway for which accessory receptors are identified until now.
Insights
Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling involves accessory receptors that modulate ligand access to classical receptors. These proteins, like betaglycan and endoglin, fine-tune TGF-β pathway activity and cellular responses.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Signaling
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathways are crucial for various cellular processes.
- Beyond canonical receptors and effectors, accessory proteins influence TGF-β cascade activity.
- These accessory proteins interact with TGF-β ligands and receptors without directly transmitting signals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role and characteristics of TGF-β accessory receptors.
- To understand how these accessory receptors modulate TGF-β signaling pathways.
- To highlight the unique nature of accessory receptors in TGF-β cascades.
Main Methods:
- Identification and characterization of TGF-β accessory receptors.
- Analysis of protein interactions within the TGF-β signaling network.
- Investigating the binding specificities of accessory receptors for different TGF-β isoforms.
Main Results:
- Three key accessory receptors identified: betaglycan (TGF-β RIII), endoglin (CD105), and CD109.
- Accessory receptors modulate ligand accessibility to TGF-β type I and II receptors.
- Each accessory receptor exhibits distinct binding specificities for TGF-β isoforms (TGF-β1, -β2, -β3) and influences cellular responses differently.
Conclusions:
- TGF-β accessory receptors play a vital role in fine-tuning TGF-β signal transduction.
- These receptors are essential for modulating the cellular response to specific TGF-β isoforms.
- The TGF-β pathway is currently the only known signaling cascade with identified accessory receptors.
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