Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and its role in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis: a novel target for therapy?
One of the growth factors that appear to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis is TGF-beta. The three functionally and structurally similar human isoforms of TGF-beta play important roles in embryonic development, in the regulation of tissue repair following injury and in immune responses. Systemic sclerosis fibroblasts express increased levels of TGF-beta receptors on their surface which in turn results in increased signalimg of TGF-beta induced collagen gene expression. Some of the patents and intricate pathways that mediate the stimulation of collagen gene expression by TGF-beta have recently been described and a potential inhibition of these pathways may lead to novel therapeutic targets for systemic sclerosis.
Derk
Chris T
CT
Division of Rheumatology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA. Chris.Derk@jefferson.edu
D000818:Animals; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000378:metabolism; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D010330:Patents as Topic; D020033:Protein Isoforms; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism
D020033:Protein Isoforms; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D003094:Collagen