Latent forms of transforming growth factor-beta 2 (TGF-beta 2) in breast cyst fluid.

Abstract

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is secreted by cells in high molecular weight, latent forms and the in vivo mechanisms for the activation remain largely an enigma. Women who have palpable breast cyst with intracystic Na/K < 3 may have a higher risk of developing breast cancer than those with intracystic Na/K > 3. Finding of significantly higher concentrations of TGF-beta 2 in the Na/K > 3 group than Na/K < 3 group may explain the lower risk of breast cancer in the Na/K > 3 group. The aim of the present study was to characterise the latent forms of TGF-beta 2 in breast cyst fluid using HPLC, affinity chromatography, SDS-PAGE and immunostaining techniques. We found that TGF-beta 2 is present in high molecular weight, latent forms in breast cyst fluid: as a complex, probably with alpha 2-macroglobulin and a 56 kD protein which is likely to be a precursor form of TGF-beta 2.

• Authors: H Erbas, T W Lennard, L C Lai
• Journal: Anticancer research (Anticancer Res) 1999 Jul-Aug Vol. 19 Issue 4B Pg. 3077-82 ISSN: 0250-7005 [Print] Greece
• PMID: 10652596 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Transforming Growth Factor beta

Topics

• Chromatography, Affinity
• Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
• Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
• Fibrocystic Breast Disease (metabolism)
• Humans
• Molecular Weight
• Transforming Growth Factor beta (chemistry, metabolism)