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[Transforming growth factor-beta as a therapeutic target]

Francisco Javier Gálvez-Gastélum1, Ana Soledad Sandoval-Rodríguez, Juan Armendáriz-Borunda

  • 1Instituto de Biología Molecular y Terapia Génica, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Jalisco, México.

Salud Publica De Mexico
|October 8, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling regulates cell functions and development. Dysregulation of this pathway is implicated in diseases like cancer, prompting new therapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Context:

  • Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily proteins, including TGF-beta, activins, and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), are crucial secreted cytokines in Metazoans.
  • These proteins regulate fundamental cellular processes like proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and migration, essential for organismal development.

Purpose:

  • To review the role of TGF-beta family signaling in cellular functions and human pathologies.
  • To explain the mechanism of TGF-beta receptor activation and Smad protein signaling.
  • To highlight the therapeutic potential for diseases involving TGF-beta pathway dysregulation.

Summary:

  • TGF-beta family members are key regulators of cell behavior and development.
  • Aberrant TGF-beta signaling contributes to various human diseases, including cancer and fibrotic conditions.
  • Activation of TGF-beta receptors leads to Smad protein phosphorylation, nuclear translocation, and target gene transcription.

Impact:

  • Understanding TGF-beta signaling is vital for comprehending developmental processes and disease pathogenesis.
  • Targeting the TGF-beta pathway offers promising therapeutic avenues for numerous human pathologies.
  • This review provides a foundation for developing novel treatments for TGF-beta-mediated diseases.

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