Figure 2.

Processing of TGFB isoforms. TGFB genes encode a C-terminal mature cytokine and an N-terminal latency-associated protein (LAP) that form a dimeric structure. LAP and mature TGFB cytokine are cleaved by the enzyme furin but remain non-covalently associated with LAP folding around the mature cytokine forming the small latent complex. The small latent complex can associate with latent TGFB binding protein (LTBP) via LAP forming the large latent complex facilitating binding to the extracellular matrix. For active signalling TGFB must be released from latent complexes mediated through interactions with MMPs, THBS1, and integrins [4]. Figure generated using Biorender.com (accessed 28 February 2022).