TGF-beta-1 is a multifunctional cytokine that belongs to a superfamily of structurally related regulatory proteins, including three mammalian TGF-beta isoforms (TGF-beta-1, -beta-2, and -beta-3), activin/inhibins and bone morphogenetic proteins. The most abundant isoform, TGF-beta-1, is a 25kDa homodimer composed of two 12.5 kDa subunits joined by disulfide bonds. TGF-beta-1 is a highly conserved molecule; the amino acid sequence between human and mouse differs by only one residue. Although originally defined by its ability to cause anchorage independent cell growth and changes in cell morphology of rat fibroblasts, subsequent research has revealed that TGF-beta is actually a major growth inhibitor for most cell types. It is produced by a wide variety of cell and tissue types during all stages of cell differentiation. TGF-beta-1 sources include platelets, bone and soft tissues, such as placenta and kidneys.
TGF beta 1 Antibody was prepared from whole rabbit serum produced by repeated immunizations with a synthetic peptide corresponding to amino acids near the amino terminus of the mature growth factor (112 amino acids in length).