Background: TGF-beta 1 controls many pathophysiological processes including tissue homeostasis, fibrosis, and cancer progression. Together with its latency-associated peptide (LAP), TGF-beta 1 binds to the latent TGF-beta 1-binding protein-1 (LTBP-1), which is part of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Transmission of cell force via integrins is one major mechanism to activate latent TGF-beta 1 from ECM stores. Latent TGF-beta 1 mechanical activation is more efficient with higher cell forces and ECM stiffening. However, little is known about the molecular events involved in this mechanical activation mechanism.
Wouter Richard Karthaus, Jillian Rose Love
Didier Trono, Priscilla Turelli, Sandra Eloise Kjeldsen, Evaristo Jose Planet Letschert, Filipe Amândio Brandão Sanches Vong Martins, Florian Huber, Cyril David Son-Tuyên Pulver, Olga Marie Louise Rosspopoff, Romain Forey, Joana Carlevaro Fita