MICROSATELLITE INSTABILITY AND A TGF-BETA RECEPTOR - CLUES TO A GROWTH-CONTROL PATHWAY

Defects of growth inhibitory pathways have an important role in disorders of cell growth and differentiation. The discovery of a mutation in one of the principle components of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) receptor system which is linked to a DNA repair defect(1) represents one possible mechanism of escape from negative regulatory influences acting upon cells. TGF beta is a pre-eminent negative growth factor and this article discusses (1) the role of TGF beta in maintaining epithelial homeostasis; (2) how breakdown of inhibitory pathways can promote neoplastic development; (3) the significance of a receptor defect in a negative signalling pathway; and (4) the potential therapeutic sequelae resulting from restoration of cellular responsiveness to IGF beta.