Cell proliferation in somatic tissues, specification of cell fate during embryogenesis, differentiation and cell death are controlled by a multitude of cell–cell signals and loss of this control has devastating consequences. Prominent among these regulatory signals is the TGF-Beta (Transforming Growth Factor) super family, which comprises a large and diverse group of polypeptide morphogens including the prototype of the family–the TGF-Beta themselves as well as the BMPs (Bone Morphogenetic Proteins), and the GDFs (Growth and Differentiation Factors) (Ref.1). The members of the TGF-Beta family are expressed in distinct temporal and tissue-specific patterns and therefore play an important role in the development, homeostasis and repair of most tissues in organisms. All immune cell lineages, including B-Cell, T-Cell and dendritic cells as well as macrophages secrete TGF-Beta, which negatively regulates their proliferation, differentiation and activation by other cytokines. Thus, TGF-Beta is a potent immunosuppressor and perturbation of TGF-Beta signaling is linked to autoimmunity, inflammation and cancer (Ref.2). References Ripamonti U, Ferretti C, Teare J, Blann L. J Craniofac Surg. 2009 Sep;20(5):1544-55. 2.Regulation of TGF-beta signaling by Smad7. Yan X, Liu Z, Chen Y. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai). 2009 Apr;41(4):263-72. 3.Meeting report: signaling schemes for TGF-beta. Roberts AB, Derynck R. Sci STKE. 2001 Dec 18; 2001(113): PE43. 4.Tgf-Beta superfamily receptors-targets for antiangiogenic therapy? Otten J, Bokemeyer C, Fiedler W. J Oncol. 2010;2010:317068. Epub 2010 May 13. 5.Regulation of TGF-beta signaling by Smad7. Yan X, Liu Z, Chen Y. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai). 2009 Apr;41(4):263-72. 6.Ski and SnoN, potent negative regulators of TGF-beta signaling. Deheuninck J, Luo K. Cell Res. 2009 Jan;19(1):47-57. Stettner MR, Nance JA, Wright CA, Kinoshita Y, Kim WK, Morgello S, Rappaport J, Khalili K, Gordon J, Johnson EM. J Gen Virol. 2009 Aug;90(Pt 8):2005-14. Epub 2009 May 6.
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