The role of Smad3-dependent TGF-beta signal in vascular response to injury.
Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta is a multifunctional cytokine involved in the regulation of proliferation, differentiation, migration, and survival of many different cell types. The role of TGF-beta in atherosclerosis has been intensively studied, but the precise function of the downstream signals in this disease entity remains unclear. We recently discovered that mice lacking Smad3, a major downstream mediator of TGF-beta, show enhanced neointimal hyperplasia with decreased matrix deposition in response to vascular injury. This review summarizes the current view on involvement of TGF-beta in atherosclerotic vascular disease and discusses the role of Smad3-dependent TGF-beta signal in vascular response to injury.
Yokote
Koutaro
K
Division of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan. kyokote@faculty.chiba-u.ac.jp
Kobayashi
Kazuki
K
Saito
Yasushi
Y
D000818:Animals; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia / Q000503:physiopathology; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism; D032389:Myocytes, Smooth Muscle / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction; D051900:Smad3 Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000378:metabolism*; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology
D051900:Smad3 Protein; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases