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

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

Published on: August 3, 2018

Multiple type-beta transforming growth factors and their receptors

J Massagué1, S Cheifetz, R A Ignotz

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester 01605.

Journal of Cellular Physiology. Supplement
|January 1, 1987
PubMed

Insights

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and its receptors regulate cell behavior. Specific TGF-beta forms bind distinct receptors, dictating cellular proliferation and differentiation outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Transforming growth factors-beta (TGF-beta) are homologous polypeptides influencing cell proliferation and phenotype.
  • They belong to a larger family of polypeptides controlling developmental processes across species.
  • Mammalian tissues contain at least three distinct TGF-beta forms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize cell surface receptors for TGF-beta.
  • To investigate the specific interactions between different TGF-beta forms and their receptors.
  • To correlate ligand-receptor binding with specific cellular responses.

Main Methods:

  • Identification of cell surface glycoproteins binding TGF-beta.
  • Affinity and specificity assays for TGF-beta-receptor interactions.
  • Correlation studies between receptor occupancy and cellular effects.

Main Results:

  • A family of cell surface glycoproteins that bind TGF-beta with high affinity and specificity was identified.
  • Complex patterns of ligand-receptor associations were observed between individual TGF-beta forms and receptor species.
  • Specific cellular effects on proliferation and differentiation were correlated with particular TGF-beta receptor occupancy.

Conclusions:

  • TGF-beta signaling involves specific interactions between distinct TGF-beta forms and cell surface receptors.
  • These specific interactions are crucial for dictating cellular responses, including proliferation and differentiation.
  • The findings elucidate a complex regulatory mechanism of TGF-beta in mammalian cells.

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