Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 8, 2026
06:54
Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells
Published on: October 27, 2020
14.4K
Lean on Me: Cell-Cell Interactions Release TGF-β for Local Consumption Only.
Aidan J Peterson1, Michael B O'Connor1
1Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
Cell
|June 30, 2018
Summary
Researchers discovered how the LRRC33 molecule spatially controls transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling in the central nervous system (CNS). This finding enhances understanding of neural development and disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling is crucial for central nervous system (CNS) development and function.
- Dysregulation of TGF-β signaling is implicated in various neurological disorders.
- Understanding the spatial regulation of TGF-β signaling is essential for therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of the LRRC33 molecule in controlling TGF-β signaling within the CNS.
- To investigate the mechanisms by which LRRC33 achieves spatial regulation of this critical pathway.
Main Methods:
- Detailed biochemical characterization of LRRC33.
- Whole-animal genetic studies to assess the in vivo function of LRRC33.
- Computational transcriptome data mining to analyze gene expression patterns related to TGF-β signaling.
Main Results:
- LRRC33 acts as a milieu molecule to provide precise spatial control over TGF-β signaling.
- Identification of specific molecular interactions and pathways modulated by LRRC33.
- Correlation between LRRC33 expression and spatial patterns of TGF-β activity in the CNS.
Conclusions:
- LRRC33 is a key regulator of spatial TGF-β signaling in the CNS.
- This molecule offers a potential target for modulating neural development and treating CNS diseases.
- The study provides a novel framework for understanding molecular control of signaling gradients in the nervous system.
Related Concept Videos
01:16TGF - β Signaling Pathway
10.6K
The TGF-β signaling pathway regulates cell growth, differentiation, adhesion, motility, and development. TGF-β ligands that induce TGF-β signaling are synthesized in their latent form. Several proteases or cell surface receptors such as integrins act upon the latent form, releasing the active ligand. There are three types of mammalian TGF-βs: (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3) that bind as homodimers or heterodimers to TGF-β receptors. The TGF-β receptors...
10.6K
01:24Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions
9.1K
The extracellular matrix or ECM holds cells together to form a tissue and allows the cells within the tissue to communicate. ECM comprises proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, laminin, etc. The most abundant protein in this space is collagen. Collagen fibers are interwoven with carbohydrate-containing protein molecules called proteoglycans. ECM allows cell migration and provides a structural scaffold at cell adhesion that anchors the cell when the extracellular matrix proteins interact with...
9.1K
01:58Cell Specific Gene Expression
16.6K
Multicellular organisms contain a variety of structurally and functionally distinct cell types, but the DNA in all the cells originated from the same parent cells. The differences in the cells can be attributed to the differential gene expression. Liver cells, whose functions include detoxification of blood, production of bile to metabolize fats, and synthesis of proteins essential for metabolism, must express a specific set of genes to perform their functions. Gene expression also varies with...
16.6K
02:39Predator-Prey Interactions
21.7K
Predators consume prey for energy. Predators that acquire prey and prey that avoid predation both increase their chances of survival and reproduction (i.e., fitness). Routine predator-prey interactions elicit mutual adaptations that improve predator offenses, such as claws, teeth, and speed, as well as prey defenses, including crypsis, aposematism, and mimicry. Thus, predator-prey interactions resemble an evolutionary arms race.
21.7K
01:28Energy-releasing Steps of Glycolysis
147.0K
Glycolysis is divided into two phases based on whether energy is utilized or released. While the first phase consumes ATP, the second phase produces energy in the form of ATP and NADH. The energy is released over a sequence of reactions that turns G3P into pyruvate. The energy-releasing phase—steps 6-10 of glycolysis—occurs twice, once for each of the two 3-carbon sugars produced during steps 1-5 of the first phase.
The first energy-releasing step—the 6th step of glycolysis...
The first energy-releasing step—the 6th step of glycolysis...
147.0K
02:58Chemistry of the Cell
48.1K
The cell is chemically composed of water, organic molecules and inorganic ions.
Water
The polarity of the water molecule and its resulting hydrogen bonding makes water a unique substance with special properties that are intimately tied to the processes of life. Life originally evolved in an aqueous environment, and most of an organism’s cellular chemistry and metabolism occur inside the aqueous contents of the cell’s cytoplasm. Special properties of water are its high heat capacity...
Water
The polarity of the water molecule and its resulting hydrogen bonding makes water a unique substance with special properties that are intimately tied to the processes of life. Life originally evolved in an aqueous environment, and most of an organism’s cellular chemistry and metabolism occur inside the aqueous contents of the cell’s cytoplasm. Special properties of water are its high heat capacity...
48.1K