Ignotz R A, Kelly B, Davis R J, Massagué J
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1986 Sep;83(17):6307-11. doi: 10.1073/pnas.83.17.6307.
Retrovirus-transformed rat cells that actively express transforming growth factor type alpha (TGF-alpha) release into the medium a soluble protein of 17-19 kDa that has been identified as a precursor for TGF-alpha. The identification of this protein as a TGF-alpha precursor is based on its recognition by specific antibodies and by the ability of elastase to convert this protein into a 6-kDa polypeptide with the properties of mature TGF-alpha. This TGF-alpha precursor binds to epidermal growth factor/TGF-alpha receptors and activates the receptor-associated tyrosine kinase activity in intact cells. The biological potency of this precursor is not markedly increased by conversion into mature TGF-alpha in vitro. These studies demonstrate the ability of transformed cells to release a TGF-alpha precursor capable of strong mitogenic action in vivo.
能主动表达α型转化生长因子(TGF-α)的逆转录病毒转化大鼠细胞,会向培养基中释放一种17 - 19 kDa的可溶性蛋白质,该蛋白质已被鉴定为TGF-α的前体。将这种蛋白质鉴定为TGF-α前体,是基于它能被特异性抗体识别,以及弹性蛋白酶能将其转化为具有成熟TGF-α特性的6 kDa多肽的能力。这种TGF-α前体可与表皮生长因子/TGF-α受体结合,并激活完整细胞中与受体相关的酪氨酸激酶活性。在体外将这种前体转化为成熟TGF-α后,其生物学活性并未显著增加。这些研究证明了转化细胞释放一种能在体内产生强烈促有丝分裂作用的TGF-α前体的能力。