Our research focuses on the signaling pathways of the transforming growth factor-b (TGF-b) family of proteins. The structure and fundamental functions of the TGF-b family of cytokines are conserved in organisms ranging from fruit fly to human. They regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, recognition and death, and are involved in the control of tissue recycling, repair and development. Our goal is to unveil the basic mechanism of their signal transduction pathways and elucidate how these growth factors trigger diverse responses depending on the receiving tissue type. Currently, we are focusing on one subgroup of the TGF-b family members, the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and their signal transducers. BMPs are not only playing an essential role in the bone repair process in adults but also in dorsal-ventral axis formation during early embryogenesis. Using cell biological, molecular biological, structural and developmental approaches, we hope to reveal how these secreted molecules govern cell fate. We believe that understanding the signal transducers and their regulators for these pathways will allow us to develop therapeutic reagents for developmental disorders or diseases in which TGF-b signaling is impaired, such as cancer.

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