Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-beta)

Human TGF-beta

Western blotting demonstrated that this antibody reacts with the dimeric (25 kDa) and monomeric (12.5 kDa.) forms of TGF-beta under both non-reducing and reducing conditions respectively. This antibody recognizes both human platelet-derived and recombinant TGF-beta in ELISA.

Human, other species not tested

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) has three isoforms (TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2, and TGF-beta3) with similar functions. The cytokine is a homodimer linked by disulfide bind. Inside cells, the cytokine forms a small latent complex with latent associated peptide (LAP). This small complex binds to latent TGF-beta binding protein (LTBP) to be secreted to extra-cellular matrix. Disassociation of the latent proteins from TGF-beta results in the release of the cytokine to its receptor. The process is called activation, which can be influenced by various factors, including proteases, metalloproteases, extreme pH, mild acidic condition, reactive oxygen species and integrins. TGF-beta is an anti-proliferation factor in normal cells. It increases the synthesis of p15 and p21, which can block the cyclin: CDK complex, and causes cells to stop at G1 phase. The cytokine can induce apoptosis through both SMAD and DAXX pathways. In cancer cells, TGF-beta signaling is altered and TGF-beta no longer stops cell proliferation.

Double distilled water is recommended to adjust the final concentration to 1.00mg/mL.

Growth Factors and Their Receptors, Angiogenesis

Crawford, S. E. Thrombospondin-1 is a major activator of TGF-beta1 in vivo. Cell 93:1159-1170 (1998)
Biological characterization of a monoclonal antibody TB21 against human transforming growth factor-beta 1. Acta Biologiae Experimentalis Sinica Vol. 26, No. 2 June (1993).