Cell Division Biochemistry of Cell Division R. Baserga

Targeting expression of a transforming growth factor beta 1 transgene to the pregnant mammary gland inhibits alveolar development and lactation.

“…TGF-(31 is secreted from a variety of cell types as a relatively high-molecular-weight, biologically latent precursor (L-TGF-3 1), which contains its pro-region (latency associated peptide LAP) associated non-covalently with the mature dimeric peptide (Lawrence et al, 1984;Keski-Oja et al, 1988). Upon release of the mature dimer from this complex, activated TGF-031 can interact with its receptor (Flaumenhaft et al, 1992). The conversion from the latent to active form may constitute an important mechanism by which TGF-,B1 activity is regulated in vivo.…”