Identification of a membrane-associated receptor for transforming growth factor type E.

We have identified the receptor for epithelial type transforming growth factor (TGFe). TGFe, a member of the epithelin/granulin family of proteins, is present primarily in tissues of epithelial origin. It is a powerful mitogen for epithelial and fibroblastic cells. TGFe, iodinated using an immobilized glucose oxidase-lactoperoxidase method, was chemically crosslinked to receptors on membranes isolated from SW-13 adrenal carcinoma cells by the crosslinker disuccinimidyl suberate (DSS). The receptor appears to be a protein which migrates at an apparent molecular weight of approximately 170-175 kDa under reducing and nonreducing conditions in SDS-polyacrylamide gels.