Transforming growth factor (TGF) – is it a key protein in mammalian reproductive biology?

Abstract

The superfamily of transforming growth factors β (TGF-β) consists of cytokines that are crucial in regulating the organism's biological functions and includes three isoforms of TGF-β protein, Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), inhibin A and B, activins, 20 bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP1-20) and 9 growth factors (GDF1-9). Their signal transduction pathway involves three types of membrane receptors that exhibit a serine/threonine kinase activity, as well as the Smad proteins. After ligand binding, the Smad proteins are phosphorylated and translocated to the nucleus, where they interact with transcription factors and affect gene expression. TGF-β family members are involved in cell growth and differentiation, as well as chemotaxis and apoptosis, and play an important role during an inflammation. Defects in TGF-β proteins or in their signalling pathway underlie many severe diseases, such as systemic lupus, systemic scleroderma, bronchial asthma, atherosclerosis, hyperthyroidism or cancer. These factors are also crucial in mammal reproductive functions, as they are involved in folliculogenesis, steroidogenesis, ovulation, maternal-embryo interaction, embryo development and uterine decidualization. Their defects result in issues with fertility. This review focuses on the relevance of TGF-β family members in a mammal reproduction with an emphasis on three TGF-β isoforms, inhibins A and B, GDF-9 and their signal transduction pathway. Running title: TGFB in mammalian reproduction

Expression of genes involved in neurogenesis, and neuronal precursor cell proliferation and development: Novel pathways of human ovarian granulosa cell differentiation and transdifferentiation capability in�vitro

“…This cone has the ability to move in a quadriplegic motion towards the innervated organ. The complex process of neurogenesis depends on a number of factors, including the key role played by proteins belonging to the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) family (10,11). one of the main goals of numerous research groups is the production of stable, functional neural cell lines that may be used to restore damage to the nervous system.…”

New markers for regulation of transcription and macromolecule metabolic process in porcine oocytes during in vitro maturation

“…literature suggests, that oocyte itself, plays an essential role in regulatory mechanisms of its growth and development, influencing and being influenced by surrounding granulosa cells via specific gap junctions. These mechanisms are regulated by expression of particular genes and their biochemical New markers for regulation of transcription and macromolecule metabolic process in porcine oocytes during in vitro maturation signaling pathways, presence of specific molecules and growth and differentiation factors (1)(2)(3)(4)(5). oocyte maturation consists of numerous rearranges in cell nucleus and cytoplasm, which are essential to finalize its competence to fertilize.…”

Human Granulosa Cells—Stemness Properties, Molecular Cross-Talk and Follicular Angiogenesis

“…These two factors belong to the TGF-β superfamily and are essential for regulating the differentiation and proper functioning of CCs [126]. The superfamily of TGF-β consists of factors crucial in mammalian reproductive functions, participating in folliculogenesis, oogenesis and embryo development [127].…”