Activation and function of TGFβ signalling during Drosophila wing development and its interactions with the BMP pathway

► The TGFβ ligands Actβ, Daw, Mav and Myo are required in the wing disc for growth. ► The receptor Babo and Smad2 regulate cell size and the length of the cell cycle. ► Activation of Babo and phosphorylation of Smad2 is generalised in the wing disc. ► Over-expression of activated Babo reduces the levels of phosphorylated Mad. ► Over-expression of activated Babo activates Mad in the absence of Smad2.