Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β) Superfamily Ligand (TGF-β Ligand)

The Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β) superfamily is the largest family of secreted morphogens in animals, comprising highly conserved proteins that regulate a wide array of developmental and physiological processes. Members include TGF-βs, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), activins, growth differentiation factors (GDFs), Nodal, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), inhibins, and others. These ligands are synthesized as precursor proteins, proteolytically cleaved to release the mature, active dimer, which then signals through type I and type II serine/threonine kinase receptors to activate Smad transcription factors. Dysregulation is implicated in cancer, developmental disorders, and fibrosis.

Other names

TGF-beta Superfamily LigandsTGFB LigandsBone Morphogenetic ProteinsBMPsActivinsGrowth Differentiation FactorsGDFsNodalAnti-Müllerian HormoneAMHInhibins

TGF-β superfamily ligands bind to type II receptors, which then recruit and phosphorylate type I receptors. Activated type I receptors then phosphorylate Smad transcription factors, which translocate to the nucleus to regulate gene expression.