Description
Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) is the prototype of a growing superfamily of peptide growth factorsand plays a prominent role in a variety of cellular processes, including cell-cycle progression, celldifferentiation,reproductivefunction,development,motility,adhesion,neuronalgrowth,bonemorphogenesis, wound healing, and immune surveillance. TGF- β 1, TGF- β 2 and TGF- β 3 signal via the sameheteromeric receptor complex, consisting of a ligand binding TGF- β receptor type II (T β R-II), and a TGF- βreceptor type I (T β R-I). Signal transduction from the receptor to the nucleus is mediated via SMADs. TGF- βexpression is found in cartilage, bone, teeth, muscle, heart, blood vessels, haematopoitic cells, lung, kidney,gut, liver, eye, ear, skin, and the nervous system.