Oligomeric interactions of TGF-β and BMP receptors

FEBS Lett. 2012 Jul 4;586(14):1885-96. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2012.01.040. Epub 2012 Jan 27.

Abstract

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) cytokines participate in a multiplicity of ways in the regulation of numerous physiological and pathological processes. Their wide-ranging biological functions are controlled by several mechanisms, including regulation of transcription, complex formation among the signaling receptors (oligomerization) and with co-receptors, binding of the receptors to scaffolding proteins or their targeting to specific membrane domains. Here, we address the generation of TGF-β and BMP receptor homo- and hetero-oligomers and its roles as a mechanism capable of fast regulation of signaling by these crucial cytokines. We examine the available biochemical, biophysical and structural evidence for the ternary structure of these complexes, and the possible roles of homomeric and heteromeric receptor oligomers in signaling.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biophysics / methods
  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors / metabolism*
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Crystallography, X-Ray / methods
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Models, Biological
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Protein Binding
  • Signal Transduction
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism*

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Ligands
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptors