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Microsatellite instability and a TGFβ receptor: Clues to A growth control pathway
Author(s) -
Benson John R.,
Wells K.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
bioessays
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.175
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1521-1878
pISSN - 0265-9247
DOI - 10.1002/bies.950171203
Subject(s) - transforming growth factor , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , signal transduction , receptor , microsatellite instability , cell growth , growth factor , mutation , mechanism (biology) , cancer research , genetics , gene , microsatellite , allele , philosophy , epistemology
Defects of growth inhibitory pathways have an important role in disorders of cell growth and differentiation. The discovery of a mutation in one of the principle components of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) receptor system which is linked to a DNA repair defect (1) represents one possible mechanism of escape from negative regulatory influences acting upon cells. TGFβ is a pre‐eminent negative growth factor and this article discusses (1) the role of TGFβ in maintaining epithelial homeostasis; (2) how breakdown of inhibitory pathways can promote neoplastic development; (3) the significance of a receptor defect in a negative signalling pathway; and (4) the potential therapeutic sequelae resulting from restoration of cellular responsiveness to TGFβ.