Transforming growth factor betaCytokineComputer graphic of TGF-beta. TGF-beta is a cytokine with three different isoforms, which regulates many cellular functions including cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion and migrationTransforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is a multifunctional cytokine belonging to the transforming growth factor superfamily that includes three different mammalian isoforms (TGF-β 1 to 3, HGNC symbols TGFB1, TGFB2, TGFB3) and many other signaling proteins.
Receptor protein serine/threonine kinaseReceptor protein serine/threonine kinases (EC2.7.11.30) are enzyme-linked receptors that belong to protein-serine/threonine kinases. The systematic name of this enzyme class is ATP:[receptor-protein] phosphotransferase.
Growth factorA growth factor is a naturally occurring substance capable of stimulating cell proliferation, wound healing, and occasionally cellular differentiation. Usually it is a secreted protein or a steroid hormone. Comparison to cytokinesGrowth factor is sometimes used interchangeably among scientists with the term cytokine.
TGF-beta receptor familyThe transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) receptors are a family of serine/threonine kinase receptors involved in TGF beta signaling pathway. These receptors bind growth factor and cytokinesignaling proteins in the TGF-beta family such as TGFβs (TGFβ1, TGFβ2, TGFβ3), bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), growth differentiation factors (GDFs), activin and inhibin, myostatin, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and NODAL.
CytokineCytokines () are a broad and loose category of small proteins (~5–25 kDa) important in cell signaling. Cytokines are produced by a broad range of cells, including immune cells, as well as endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and various types of connective tissue cells. A single cytokine may be produced by more than one type of cell. Cytokines are usually too large to cross cell membranes and enter cells.
LigandIn coordination chemistry, a ligand is an ion or molecule with a functional group that binds to a central metal atom to form a coordination complex. The bonding with the metal generally involves formal donation of one or more of the ligand's electron pairs, often through Lewis bases. The nature of metal–ligand bonding can range from covalent to ionic. Furthermore, the metal–ligand bond order can range from one to three.
IsoformIn genetics, an isoform is a member of a set of similar products that originate from the same gene; such a set can consist of mRNAs or their resultant proteins. The best-studied isoforms are the protein isoforms, or "protein variants", resulting from differences in the coding DNA sequences (CDS) of their precursor mRNAs. While many perform the same or similar biological roles, some protein isoforms have unique functions.
Tissue (biology)In biology, tissue is an assembly of similar cells and their extracellular matrix from the same embryonic origin that together carry out a specific function. Tissues occupy a biological organizational level between cells and a complete organ. Accordingly, organs are formed by the functional grouping of multiple tissues. The English word "tissue" derives from the French word "", meaning "fabric", derived from the verb “tisser”, "to weave".
Paracrine signalingIn cellular biology, paracrine signaling is a form of cell signaling, a type of cellular communication in which a cell produces a signal to induce changes in nearby cells, altering the behaviour of those cells.
Protein dimerIn biochemistry, a protein dimer is a macromolecular complex or multimer formed by two proteinmonomers, or single proteins, which are usually non-covalently bound. Many macromolecules, such as proteins or nucleic acids, form dimers. The word dimer has roots meaning "two parts", + . A protein dimer is a type of protein quaternary structure. A protein homodimer is formed by two identical proteins while a protein heterodimer is formed by two different proteins.
Single-pass membrane proteinA single-pass membrane protein also known as single-spanning protein or bitopic protein is a transmembrane protein that spans the lipid bilayer only once. These proteins may constitute up to 50% of all transmembrane proteins, depending on the organism, and contribute significantly to the network of interactions between different proteins in cells, including interactions via transmembrane alpha helices.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.