Serine/threonine kinase receptors: mediators of transforming growth factor beta family signals.

摘要: TGF beta represents the largest and most versatile cytokine family known in metazoans. The recent identification of transmembrane serine/threonine kinases as receptors a major milestone towards understanding how these factors elicit their varied responses. Genetic biochemical evidence suggests general model for mechanism activation receptors. In this model, ligand acts an adaptor, bringing primary receptor kinase contact with second kinase, which becomes phosphorylated thereby competent to propagate signal downstream components. Such cascade on membrane defines new variation transduction. Although many details remain be clarified, its combinatorial capacity may explain multifunctional nature ligands. Several key genes have been identified whose regulation by signals mediates cellular responses such cell cycle arrest. This field is advancing at fast pace, identity components that carry should soon unveiled. It expected advances, they unfold, will turn clarify role miscreant signalling human diseases, cancer included.