Transforming growth factor-beta and its receptors in scleroderma / 浙江大学学报·医学版

ABSTRACT

The hallmark of scleroderma is fibrosis by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in the skin, lung, and other organs. Increasing evidence suggests that overexpression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and its receptors play a key pathogenic role in the development of tissue fibrosis in scleroderma. TGF-beta is known to induce the expression of ECM proteins in the pathogenesis of fibrosis in systemic sclerosis. Investigations into TGF-beta pathways will suggest new treatment strategies for fibrotic diseases.