Methods for measuring TGF-b using antibodies, cells, and mice

Methods Mol Med. 2005:117:161-75. doi: 10.1385/1-59259-940-0:161.

Abstract

The transforming growth factor (TGF)-betas are essential in pre- and postnatal development, differentiation and morphogenesis of higher organisms. Quantitation of the levels of TGF-beta synthesis, secretion, and activation are crucial for grasping the mechanisms that control these events and ultimately control TGF-beta action. Rather than presenting a single method, we describe several methods for measuring active TGF-beta in different experimental situations. This is possible as a result of advances in transgenic mice technology that allow in vivo TGF-beta measurements in addition to the more established in vitro approaches.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Coculture Techniques
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Epithelial Cells / cytology
  • Genetic Techniques*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Luciferases / metabolism
  • Lung / cytology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Mink
  • Molecular Biology / methods*
  • Smad Proteins
  • Trans-Activators / metabolism
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / analysis*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / biosynthesis*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / genetics

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Smad Proteins
  • Trans-Activators
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Luciferases