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

ABSTRACT

The TGF-ß (transforming growth factor-ß) 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-ß 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-ß 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.