TRANSFORMING GROWTH-FACTOR-BETA - STRUCTU RE, BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS AND MECHANISM OF ACTION

For more than a decade, Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF beta) has been intensively studied. Such studies have led to the identification of many related polypeptides wich constitute the TGF beta family. The se factors modulate many animal cell processes such as cell cycle prog ression, differentiation, adhesion, migration, extracellular matrix pr oduction tissue development and repair processes. Recent studies have shown that TGF beta has also a cardioprotective effect and is implicat ed in inflamatory process. The mechanism by wich cytokines of the TGF beta family initiate their many biological effects are not yet fully u nderstood. Howewer, the recent molecular cloning of various TGF beta r eceptor genes has provided many clues to adress these questions. These findings have led to a proposition of an original and specific model for the mechanism of action of TGF beta.