The cell-surface associated molecule Cripto is overexpressed in a wide range of epithelial cancers, yet little is known about potential mechanisms by which Cripto expression might enhance tumorigenesis. A new study reveals that binding of Cripto to the TGF-β ligand Activin B can block Activin B–mediated suppression of cell proliferation. Furthermore, this study also demonstrates that antibody blockade of Cripto function may prove useful in the inhibition of tumorigenesis.
