TGF-beta signal transduction and mesangial cell fibrogenesis.
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is closely associated with progressive renal fibrosis. Significant progress has been accomplished in determining the cellular signaling pathways that are activated by TGF-beta. This knowledge is being applied to glomerular mesangial cell models of extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation. A central component of TGF-beta-stimulated mesangial cell fibrogenesis is the TGF-beta family-specific Smad signal transduction pathway. However, while Smads play an important role in collagen accumulation, recent findings indicate that cross talk among a variety of pathways is necessary for maximal stimulation of collagen expression. Further investigation of these multiple interactions will provide insight into possible ways to interrupt cellular mechanisms of glomerular fibrogenesis.
Schnaper
H William
HW
Division of Kidney Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, The Feinberg School of Medicine of Northwestern University, and Children's Memorial Institute for Education and Research, Chicago, Illinois 60611-3008, USA. schnaper@northwestern.edu
Hayashida
Tomoko
T
Hubchak
Susan C
SC
Poncelet
Anne-Christine
AC
D000818:Animals; D005355:Fibrosis; D005920:Glomerular Mesangium / Q000473:pathology*; D005923:Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D015398:Signal Transduction; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism*
D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta