TRANSFORMING GROWTH-FACTOR-BETA-3

Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-beta) is the general name for a f amily of naturally-occurring polypeptides which have multiple regulato ry effects on cell proliferation and differentiation. Over the last de cade it has become apparent that TGF-beta s can be produced by most ce ll types and exert a wide range of effects in a context-dependent auto crine, paracrine or endocrine fashion via interactions with distinct r eceptors on the cell surface. This review summarizes current knowledge concerning the molecular and cellular biology of TGF-beta 3, the most recently described mammalian isoform, and focuses on those physiologi cal actions which may lead to clinical applications, particularly in t he indication areas of wound healing and chemoprotection.