Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Visualization and Quantification of TGFβ/BMP/SMAD Signaling under Different Fluid Shear Stress Conditions using Proximity-Ligation-Assay
11:38

Visualization and Quantification of TGFβ/BMP/SMAD Signaling under Different Fluid Shear Stress Conditions using Proximity-Ligation-Assay

Published on: September 14, 2021

TGF-beta-induced SMAD signaling and gene regulation: consequences for extracellular matrix remodeling and wound

Meinhard Schiller1, Delphine Javelaud, Alain Mauviel

  • 1INSERM U532, Institut de Recherche sur la Peau, Université Paris VII, Hôpital Saint-Louis, 1 Avenue Claude Vellefaux, 75010 Paris, France.

Journal of Dermatological Science
|July 22, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily cytokines regulate cell functions. This review details SMAD protein mechanisms in extracellular matrix gene expression during wound healing and fibrosis.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily cytokines are crucial for embryonic development and tissue homeostasis.
  • These cytokines regulate key cellular processes like proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
  • Three mammalian TGF-beta isoforms exist, signaling through receptor kinases and SMAD proteins.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize recent advances in understanding SMAD protein modulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) gene expression.
  • To explore the role of TGF-beta signaling in wound healing and tissue fibrosis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature on TGF-beta signaling pathways.
  • Analysis of SMAD protein interactions and transcriptional regulation.
  • Focus on ECM gene expression mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • SMAD proteins, upon phosphorylation and oligomerization, translocate to the nucleus.
  • SMAD proteins regulate the transcription of target genes, including those involved in ECM production.
  • Recent advances shed light on specific mechanisms of SMAD-mediated ECM regulation.

Conclusions:

  • TGF-beta signaling, mediated by SMAD proteins, is a critical regulator of ECM gene expression.
  • Understanding these mechanisms is vital for addressing pathological conditions like fibrosis and improving wound healing.
  • Further research into SMAD modulation pathways holds therapeutic potential.

More Related Videos

Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells06:54

Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells

Published on: October 27, 2020

TGF-β-mediated Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EndMT) and the Functional Assessment of EndMT Effectors using CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing07:05

TGF-β-mediated Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EndMT) and the Functional Assessment of EndMT Effectors using CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing

Published on: February 26, 2021

Related Concept Videos

TGF - β Signaling Pathway01:16

TGF - β Signaling Pathway

The TGF-β signaling pathway regulates cell growth, differentiation, adhesion, motility, and development. TGF-β ligands that induce TGF-β signaling are synthesized in their latent form. Several proteases or cell surface receptors such as integrins act upon the latent form, releasing the active ligand. There are three types of mammalian TGF-βs: (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3) that bind as homodimers or heterodimers to TGF-β receptors. The TGF-β receptors are of three kinds RI, RII, and RIII. The RI...
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions01:17

Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions

Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
The Extracellular Matrix01:29

The Extracellular Matrix

Overview
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
The Extracellular Matrix01:42

The Extracellular Matrix

In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.Composition of the Extracellular MatrixThe extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse molecules.
Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM01:23

Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are enzymes involved in the hydrolysis of proteins and glycoproteins of the extracellular matrix. MMPs are essential for the migration and proliferation of cells through the dense matrix network, throughout embryonic development, and throughout morphogenesis. The first MMP activity discovered was a collagenase in a tadpole's tail undergoing metamorphosis. The active collagen deposition and modifications lead to the morphogenesis of tadpoles into the adult body.
A...
Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces01:13

Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces

In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue. 
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...