LI Ying-ying, CUI Dong-yao, CHENG Cao, SUN Jing-xian, LI Dan-tong，LI Jia-xiang, CHANG Ya-qing, ZHAN Yao-yao*
Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China’s Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China
Abstract: The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) as a large superfamily containing more than 40 members in eukaryotic cells can be classified into four sub-families including TGF-β, DVR, Activin/Inhibin and others according to their sequence characterizations and bio-functions. It has been well documented that TGF-β plays vital roles in various physiological processes of organisms, including cellular reactions, embryonic development, organogenesis, bone regeneration, tissue repair and immune system. Recently, it is widely paid attention that the role of TGF-β in cell differentiation, embryonic and cytoskeleton development and innate immune responses in aquatic animals. Here we reviewed the research progress of phylogeny and biological functions of TGF-β superfamily in aquatic animals and provided a reference for better understanding of the role of TGF-β superfamily members in the progress of reproduction, development, physiological and biochemical in aquatic animals systematically.
2019, Vol. 34 
