TGF-beta/TGF-beta receptor system and its role in physiological and pathological conditions

Abstract

The TGF-beta (transforming growth factor-beta) system signals via protein kinase receptors and Smad mediators to regulate a plethora of biological processes, including morphogenesis, embryonic development, adult stem cell differentiation, immune regulation, wound healing and inflammation. In addition, alterations of specific components of the TGF-beta signalling pathway may contribute to a broad range of pathologies such as cancer, cardiovascular pathology, fibrosis and congenital diseases. The knowledge about the mechanisms involved in TGF-beta signal transduction has allowed a better understanding of the disease pathogenicity as well as the identification of several molecular targets with great potential in therapeutic interventions.