Rat transforming growth factor type 1: structure and relation to epidermal growth factor.

The complete amino acid sequence of rat transforming growth factor type 1 has been determined. This growth factor, obtained from retrovirus-transformed fibroblasts, is structurally and functionally related to mouse epidermal growth factor and human urogastrone. Production of this polypeptide by various neoplastic cells might contribute to the continued expression of the transformed phenotype.