Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) is a polypeptide member of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily of cytokines that performs many cellular functions, including the control of cell growth,cell proliferation, cell differentiation and apoptosis. TGF-βs are a multifunctional set peptides that controlsproliferation, differentiation, and other functions in many cell types. TGF-βs act synergistically with TGFA in inducingtransformation. It also acts as a negative autocrine growth factor. Dysregulation of TGF-β activation and signaling may result in apoptosis. Many cells synthesize TGF-β and almost all of them have specific receptors for this peptide. TGF-β1, TGF-β2 , and TGF-β3 all function through the same receptor signaling systems. TGF-β1 plays an important role in controlling the immune system, and shows different activities on different types of cell, or cells at different developmental stages. Most immune cells (orleukocytes) secrete TGF-β1.
TGF-β1 is related to cancer, autoimmune diseases, liver diseases, kidney diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), cystic fibrosis (CF) and so on.