The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) family of growth factors control the development and homeostasis of most tissues in metazoan organisms. Work over the past few years has led to the elucidation of a TGF-beta signal transduction network. This network involves receptor serine/threonine kinases at the cell surface and their substrates, the SMAD proteins, which move into the nucleus, where they activate target gene transcription in association with DNA-binding partners. Distinct repertoires of receptors, SMAD proteins, and DNA-binding partners seemingly underlie, in a cell-specific manner, the multifunctional nature of TGF-beta and related factors. Mutations in these pathways are the cause of various forms of human cancer and developmental disorders.

TGF-beta signal transduction.

The TNF and TNF receptor superfamilies: integrating mammalian biology.

/pdf/secretory-products-of-macrophages-5cf7rlxshh.pdf

Secretory products of macrophages.

Two different tumour-necrosis factors (TNFs), first isolated in 1984, were found to be cytotoxic to tumour cells and to induce tumour regression in mice. Research during the past two decades has shown the existence of a superfamily of TNF proteins consisting of 19 members that signal through 29 receptors. These ligands, while regulating normal functions such as immune responses, haematopoiesis and morphogenesis, have also been implicated in tumorigenesis, transplant rejection, septic shock, viral replication, bone resorption, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes; so indicating their role as 'double-edged swords'. These cytokines either induce cellular proliferation, survival, differentiation or apoptosis. Blockers of TNF have been approved for human use in treating TNF-linked autoimmune diseases in the United States and other countries.

/pdf/signalling-pathways-of-the-tnf-superfamily-a-double-edged-aixlu7oo9e.pdf

Signalling pathways of the TNF superfamily: a double-edged sword.

https://science.sciencemag.org/content/sci/230/4726/630.full.pdf

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)

The partial amino-acid sequence of purified human transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) was used to identify a series of cDNA clones encoding the protein. The cDNA sequence indicates that the 112-amino acid monomeric form of the natural TGF-beta homodimer is derived proteolytically from a much longer precursor polypeptide which may be secreted. TGF-beta messenger RNA is synthesized in various normal and transformed cells.

/pdf/human-transforming-growth-factor-beta-complementary-dna-16zn58cf34.pdf

Human transforming growth factor-beta complementary DNA sequence and expression in normal and transformed cells.

A chemically-synthesized gene and natural complementary DNA coding for human lymphotoxin were isolated and engineered for expression in Escherichia coli. Purified recombinant lymphotoxin shows cytotoxic activity on murine and human tumour cell lines in vitro and causes necrosis of certain murine sarcomas in vivo.

Julie A. Jarrett

Papers

Human transforming growth factor-beta complementary DNA sequence and expression in normal and transformed cells.

Cloning and expression of cDNA for human lymphotoxin, a lymphokine with tumour necrosis activity.

The murine transforming growth factor-beta precursor.