Sigma-Aldrich Transforming Growth Factor-β2 Human (TGF-β2)

General Description
Transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2) belongs to the TGF-β superfamily. All threes isoforms (TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3) are known to share similar structure and function. The TGFB2 gene is mapped to human chromosome 1q41 and is localized to extracellular matrix. The active form of TGF-β precursor is produced upon proteolytic cleavage. TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 have 70% amino acid sequence identity.
Biochem/Physiol Actions
TGF-β2 is important for immune homeostasis by balancing lymphocyte proliferation, apoptosis, hematopoiesis, and embryogenesis. TGF-β2 is crucial in cell growth, differentiation, and survival. TGF-β2 is a strong growth inhibitor for normal and transformed epithelial, lymphoid, fibroblast, and keratinocyte cells. TGF-β is associated with the process of tumor development, progression and metastasis. TGF-β2 is a tumor suppressor in the early stages of carcinogenesis, but in the later stages acts as a tumor promoter by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and stimulating angiogenesis. TGF-β2 inhibits antitumor action of NK (natural killer) cells, T-cells, macrophages, monocytes and neutrophils. TGF-β is also associated with inflammation and wound healing. The TGF-β gene is overexpressed in glioma tumors and also in colon cancer, gastric cancer and cervical lesions.
Preparation Note
HumanKine TGF-β2 is expressed in human HEK 293 cells as a mature, non-glycosylated, disulfide-linked homodimer with a predicted molecular mass of approx. 25 kDa.
Analysis Note
The specific activity was determined by the dose-dependent inhibition of IL-4 induced proliferation of mouse HT-2 (BALB/c spleen activated by sheep erythrocytes in the presence of IL-2).