Regulation of TGF beta signaling

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) pathway signaling is responsible for a number of developmental and homeostatic processes. One of its roles is regulating growth control. TGF beta signaling is dysregulated in people with Marfan's syndrome, an overgrowth syndrome that also predisposes the patients to certain cancers. Mutations in the gene encoding fibrillin, an extracellular matrix protein that regulates TGF beta signaling, have been identified in these people. TGF beta superfamily members are small molecules that are secreted from cells into the extracellular milieu and travel to activate receptors on neighboring cells. While the intracellular regulation of TGF beta  signaling within receiving cells has been well explored, the mechanisms by which TGF beta superfamily molecules are regulated within the secreting cell and in the extracellular environment remain to be clarified. By using the simple yet genetically conserved model system C. elegans (a tiny free-living nematode), our lab aims to better understand how TGF beta signaling is working by identifying novel, conserved regulators of this signaling pathway, which could provide potential targets for therapeutic intervention.