TGF-beta signaling from a three-dimensional perspective : insight into selection of partners

• Members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) family, which include TGF-beta s, activins and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), are potent regulators of cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and apoptosis. They act through binding to and activating serine/threonine kinase receptors on the cell surface and triggering intracellular signaling pathways in which Smad proteins have essential roles. Here, we discuss recent structure-based studies of TGF-beta s and BMPs, their receptors, and of Smad proteins, which have unravelled insights into ligand specificity, receptor and Smad activation, as well as new features of Smads as phosphoserine-binding entities.

Nyckelord

Animals

Bone Morphogenetic Proteins/chemistry/physiology

Crystallography; X-Ray

DNA-Binding Proteins/chemistry/physiology

Humans

Models; Molecular

Protein Conformation

Signal Transduction

Smad Proteins

Trans-Activators/chemistry/physiology

Transforming Growth Factor beta/*chemistry/physiology

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