Molecular and functional aspects of latent transforming growth factor-β binding protein: just a masking protein?

K Mangasser-Stephan, AM Gressner - Cell and tissue research, 1999 - Springer
K Mangasser-Stephan, AM Gressner
Cell and tissue research, 1999Springer
Latent transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) binding protein (LTBP), a component of the high-
molecular-weight latent TGFβ complex, is found in various cell and tissue types. Originally
described as a TGFβ-masking protein, recent detections of four isoforms and numerous
splice variants provide new aspects of its putative functional role. Regulation and
sequestration of TGFβ activity and structural remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM)
seem to be the main tasks, but other possible functions might exist. The mechanism by …
Abstract
Latent transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) binding protein (LTBP), a component of the high-molecular-weight latent TGFβ complex, is found in various cell and tissue types. Originally described as a TGFβ-masking protein, recent detections of four isoforms and numerous splice variants provide new aspects of its putative functional role. Regulation and sequestration of TGFβ activity and structural remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) seem to be the main tasks, but other possible functions might exist. The mechanism by which LTBP interacts with cell surface molecules or cellular receptors and ECM components remains unclear. Cellular, molecular and functional aspects will be discussed.
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