Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) belongs to a family of dimeric 25 kDa polypeptides that are ubiquitously distributed in tissues and synthesized by many different cells. Three isoforms of transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-beta1, beta-2 and beta-3) exist in mammals. They play critical roles in growth regulation and development. The TGFbetas possess three major activities: they inhibit proliferation of most cells, but can stimulate the growth of some mesechymal cells; they exert immunosuppressive effects and they enhance the formation of extracellular matrix. The TGF-betas are involved in wound repair processes and in starting inflammatory reaction and then in the resolution through chemotactic attraction of inflammatory cells and fibroblast. Contrary to TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2 is not produced by blood platelets. TGF-beta2 is a potent cytokine which has been shown to modulate embryonic development, bone formation, mammary development, wound healing, hematopoiesis, cell cycle progression and the production of the extracellular matrix. TGF-beta2 – null mice were shown to exhibit perinatal mortality and a wide range of developmental defects for a single gene description which include cardiac, lung, craniofacial, limb, spinal column, eye, inner ear and urogenitial defects. TGF-beta2 has been shown to be a potent growth inhibit factor of uveal melanocytes. It has been described as a factor in the regulation of postnatal cerebellar neurons and neuroblast proliferation. TGF-beta2 has been detected in tear fluid. TGF-beta2 levels are elevated in the vitreous of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Elevated plasma levels of TGF-beta2 have been described in patients with disseminated malignant melanoma. TGF-beta2 concentrations are furthermore elevated in Parkinson’s disease in ventricular cerebrospinal fluid. In laboratory animals TGF-beta2 was shown to reduce the number of gonocytes by increasing apoptosis

Synonyms: Glioblastoma-derived T-cell suppressor factor, G-TSF, BSC-1 cell growth inhibitor, Polyergin, Cetermin