抄録
During the last decade, several molecules regulating tooth development have been identified (http://bite-it.helsinki.fi/). Especially members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) supergene family, structurally relates cytokines, are essential for teeth to develop. These include TGF-βs, activin A, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), and their cell surface receptors. In addition, follistatin, an extracellular protein that interacts with activin and BMP signalling, appears to be an important mediator of associated inductive signals. Enhanced or impaired TGF-β/BMP signalling may play a role in odontogenic tumorigenesis. This review focuses on findings of our studies on the roles played by of TGF-β receptors, their ligands and extracellular modifiers during tooth development and in odontogenic tumours.
