Extracellular regulation of TGF-beta activity in wound repair: growth factor latency as a sensor mechanism for injury.
The transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta) family of growth factors are major regulators of wound repair, scar formation, and fibrosis. One of the prominent features of TGFbeta biology is the fact that this growth factor is secreted as a latent precursor, which may be directed to and stored at specific sites in the cellular microenvironment. Targeting and mobilization, and particularly extracellular activation of latent TGF-beta control the biological action of this growth factor. This review will focus on mechanisms of extracellular TGF-beta regulation relevant to and potentially operating in wound repair and scarring.
Brunner
Georg
G
Department of Cancer Research, Fachklinik Hornheide, Münster, Germany. Georg.Brunner@fachklinik-hornheide.de
Blakytny
Robert
R
D000818:Animals; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000378:metabolism; D002921:Cicatrix; D005355:Fibrosis / Q000473:pathology; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D011509:Proteoglycans / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013997:Time Factors; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism*; D019076:Transgenes; D014945:Wound Healing
D006133:Growth Substances; D011509:Proteoglycans; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta