Mammalian transforming growth factor-betas: Smad signaling and physio-pathological roles.
Since its discovery in the early 1980s, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) has emerged as a family of growth factors involved in essential physiological processes, including embryonic development, differentiation, tissue repair and cell growth control. Knockout experiments for the three mammalian isoforms of TGF-betas in mice have demonstrated their importance in regulating inflammation and tissue repair. Also, TGF-beta has been implicated in the pathogenesis of human diseases, including tissue fibrosis and carcinogenesis where, in the latter case, it may exert both tumor suppressor and pro-oncogenic activities depending on the stage of the tumor. Cellular signaling by TGF-beta family members is initiated by the assembly of specific cell surface serine/threonine kinase type receptors that activate transcription factors of the Smad family.
Javelaud
Delphine
D
INSERM U532, Institut de Recherche sur la Peau, Université Paris VII, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Pavillon Bazin, 1 Avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010 Paris, France.
Mauviel
Alain
A
D000818:Animals; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D004194:Disease / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction; D051785:Smad Proteins; D015534:Trans-Activators / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D020033:Protein Isoforms; D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta; D051785:Smad Proteins; D015534:Trans-Activators; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta