# Structural/functional characterization of TGFβ superfamily signaling and regulation

> **NIH NIH R35** · UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI · 2020 · $312,530

## Abstract

Project Summary: The TGF- superfamily, which includes BMPs and activins, represents a diverse collection
of signaling ligands that have profound control over numerous biological processes. Typically, ligands are
disulfide-bonded dimers with a propeller-like shape. They signal by forming a ternary complex with two type I
and two type II receptor, which activates downstream signaling events. This assembly is mediated by a number
of extracellular protein modulators which directly bind to the ligands to impact their interaction with the cellular
receptors. Using a combination of X-ray crystallography and binding analysis coupled with in vitro cellular assays,
the objective of our laboratory is to define the molecular mechanisms of ligand-receptor interactions incorporated
to differentiate signaling. Furthermore, our laboratory is characterizing the interactions of extracellular
antagonists, which neutralize ligands by blocking ligand-receptors interactions. Similarly, we aim to understand
how the N-terminal prodomain of certain ligands renders the growth factor latent and are focused on deciphering
the molecular mechanisms of activation. In addition, recent research has shown that heterodimeric ligands can
form and are biologically relevant in certain cases, even more so than the homodimeric versions. Thus, the
laboratory is investigating the structure, function and synthesis of ligand heterodimers. In a disparate project, we
are characterizing the structure and function of apolipoproteins – with the intent to understand how they transition
from a lipid free state to a lipid bound state in the biogenesis of lipoprotein particles.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9851593
- **Project number:** 1R35GM134923-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
- **Principal Investigator:** THOMAS B THOMPSON
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $312,530
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-02-01 → 2025-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9851593

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9851593, Structural/functional characterization of TGFβ superfamily signaling and regulation (1R35GM134923-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9851593. Licensed CC0.

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