Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Development of an In Vitro Assay to Evaluate Contractile Function of Mesenchymal Cells that Underwent Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Published on: June 10, 2016
Activation of TGF-beta/Smad2 signaling is associated with airway remodeling in asthma
Hironori Sagara1, Takanori Okada, Ko Okumura
1Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Dokkyo University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan.
Background:
Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) has been suggested to play an important role in the development of airway remodeling in asthma; this suggestion is based on evidence that expression levels of TGF-beta are correlated with unique parameters of airway remodeling, such as thickness of basement membrane. However, the relevant studies were inconclusive because they were unable to demonstrate active signaling mediated by the cytokine in the airways of asthmatic individuals.
Objective:
We sought to determine whether TGF-beta signaling was active in the airways of asthmatic subjects and, if so, whether it was correlated with clinicopathologic features associated with the development of airway remodeling in asthma.
Methods:
We examined the phosphorylation status of Smad2 in bronchial biopsy samples obtained from 40 asthmatic subjects as a marker of active TGF-beta signaling, and we studied its correlation with basement membrane thickness.
Results:
Expression levels of phosphorylated Smad2 in bronchial biopsy specimens from asthmatic subjects were higher than those in specimens from normal subjects, and they were correlated with basement membrane thickness in asthma.
Conclusion:
The findings provide evidence that TGF-beta signaling was active in asthmatic airways and that the activity was associated with the development of airway remodeling in asthma.
More Related Videos
06:54Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells
Published on: October 27, 2020
11:38Visualization and Quantification of TGFβ/BMP/SMAD Signaling under Different Fluid Shear Stress Conditions using Proximity-Ligation-Assay
Published on: September 14, 2021
Related Concept Videos
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...
Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Asthma I: Introduction