| Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFbeta1) is the prototype of a growing superfamily of peptide growth factors and plays a prominent role in a variety of cellular processes, including cell-cycle progression, cell differentiation, reproductive function, development, motility, adhesion, neuronal growth, bone morphogenesis, wound healing, and immune surveillance. TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 and TGF-beta3 signal via the same heteromeric receptor complex, consisting of a ligand binding TGF-beta receptor type II (TbetaR-II), and a TGF-beta receptor type I (TbetaR-I). Signal transduction from the receptor to the nucleus is mediated via SMADs. TGF-beta expression is found in cartilage, bone, teeth, muscle, heart, blood vessels, haematopoitic cells, lung, kidney, gut, liver, eye, ear, skin, and the nervous system. |