[Involvement of TGFbeta1 in fibrotic diseases: role of its effectors, the Smad proteins].
BACKGROUND
Transforming Growth Factor beta 1 (TGFbeta1) is a key cytokine in the development of fibrotic diseases which are characterized by a pathological excess of extracellular matrix involving multiple organs.


METHODS
To induce its biological effects, TGFbeta1 interacts with Ser/Thr kinase receptor complexes. The polypeptide binding to the receptors induces TGFbeta intracellular mediator phosphorylation and namely Smad proteins. Upon phosphorylation the latter form protein complexes which are then translocated to the nucleus where they participate to matrix gene regulation.


CONCLUSIONS
We will summarize the literature on the involvement of TGFbeta1 through the Smad proteins in fibrotic diseases.
Dennler
S
S
Inserm U697, institut de recherche sur la peau, pavillon Equerre-Bazin, hôpital Saint-Louis, 1, avenue Claude-Vellefaux, 75010 Paris, France.
Laboureau
J
J
Farge
D
D
Mauviel
A
A
Verrecchia
F
F
D005355:Fibrosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007700:Kinetics; D051785:Smad Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000502:physiology*; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1
D051785:Smad Proteins; C508960:TGFB1 protein, human; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1