Abstract
Transforming growth factor alpha and beta 1 (TGF alpha and TGF beta 1) are representative members of two distinct and expanding families of polypeptide growth factors. TGF alpha is an epithelial cell mitogen, whereas TGF beta 1 inhibits epithelial cell growth; the role of these factors in contributing to the transformed phenotype is uncertain. Steady state mRNA expression for these growth factors and their receptors in a panel of human colon cancers and adjacent normal mucosa is presented. Based in part on results from transgenic mice in which TGF alpha is selectively overproduced in the mammary gland, a possible role for TGF alpha as a tumor promoter in the process of transformation is discussed.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
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Colon / pathology
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Colonic Neoplasms / genetics*
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Colonic Neoplasms / pathology*
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Female
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Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / genetics*
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Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / pathology*
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Humans
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Male
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Mice
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Mice, Transgenic
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Multigene Family
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Proto-Oncogenes
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Receptors, Cell Surface / analysis
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Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics
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Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism
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Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta
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Transforming Growth Factor alpha / analysis*
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Transforming Growth Factor alpha / genetics*
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Transforming Growth Factor alpha / metabolism
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Transforming Growth Factor beta / analysis*
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Transforming Growth Factor beta / genetics*
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Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism
Substances
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Receptors, Cell Surface
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Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta
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Transforming Growth Factor alpha
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Transforming Growth Factor beta