TGF-β ligand cross-subfamily interactions in the response of Caenorhabditis elegans to a bacterial pathogen.

The Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGF-β) family consists of numerous secreted peptide growth factors that play significant roles in cell function, tissue patterning, and organismal homeostasis, including wound repair and immunity. Typically studied as homodimers, these ligands have the potential to diversify their functions through ligand interactions that may enhance, repress, or generate novel functions. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, there are only five TGF-β ligands, providing an opportunity to dissect ligand interactions in fewer combinations than in vertebrates.

BMP signaling to pharyngeal muscle in the response to a bacterial pathogen regulates anti-microbial peptide expression and pharyngeal pumping.

Host response to pathogens recruits multiple tissues in part through conserved cell signaling pathways. In , the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) like DBL-1 signaling pathway has a role in the response to infection in addition to other roles in development and postdevelopmental functions. In the regulation of body size, the DBL-1 pathway acts through cell autonomous signal activation in the epidermis (hypodermis).

TGF-β Ligand Cross-Subfamily Interactions in the Response of to Bacterial Pathogens.

The Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGF-β) family consists of numerous secreted peptide growth factors that play significant roles in cell function, tissue patterning, and organismal homeostasis, including wound repair and immunity. Typically studied as homodimers, these ligands have the potential to diversify their functions through ligand interactions that are synergistic, cooperative, additive, and/or antagonistic. In the nematode , there are only five TGF-β ligands, providing an opportunity to dissect ligand interactions in fewer combinations than in vertebrates.

BMP signaling to pharyngeal muscle in the response to a bacterial pathogen regulates anti-microbial peptide expression and pharyngeal pumping.

Host response to pathogens recruits multiple tissues in part through conserved cell signaling pathways. In , the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) like DBL-1 signaling pathway has a role in the response to infection in addition to other roles in development and post-developmental functions. In the regulation of body size, the DBL-1 pathway acts through cell autonomous signal activation in the epidermis (hypodermis).