Retinoic acid induces transforming growth factor-beta 2 in cultured keratinocytes and mouse epidermis.

Abstract

We have studied the functional interaction between retinoic acid and transforming growth factor-.beta. (TGF-.beta.), using the mouse epidermis as a model system. Treatment with retinoic acid increases expression of TGF-.beta.2 in cultured keratinocytes in vitro, as well as in the epidermis in vivo. This TGF-.beta.2 is secreted in a biologically active form that can bind to surface receptors, in contrast to most other conditions in which TGF-.beta. is secreted in a latent form. Specific antibodies to TGF-.beta.2 partially reverse the ability of retinoic acid to inhibit DNA synthesis in cultured keratinocytes. The regulation of TGF-.beta.2 expression by retinoic acid may have important physiological and pharmacological roles in the maintenance of epidermal homeostasis.