Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 27, 2026

Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells
Published on: October 27, 2020
Integrin-mediated type II TGF-β receptor tyrosine dephosphorylation controls SMAD-dependent profibrotic signaling
Kidney fibrosis involves TGF-β signaling. We found that tyrosine dephosphorylation of the TGF-β receptor type II (TβRII) by TCPTP, facilitated by integrin α1β1, inhibits fibrosis.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- Tubulointerstitial fibrosis is the common pathway to end-stage kidney disease.
- Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling, via TβRII and SMAD pathways, drives kidney fibrosis.
- While serine phosphorylation of TβRII is studied, the role of tyrosine phosphorylation in its tail remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of tyrosine phosphorylation in the TβRII tail in kidney fibrotic signaling.
- To identify mechanisms regulating TβRII tyrosine phosphorylation and its impact on fibrosis.
- To explore potential therapeutic targets for kidney fibrosis.
Main Methods:
- Investigated tyrosine phosphorylation of TβRII in kidney collecting duct cells.
- Assessed the role of T cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (TCPTP) in TβRII dephosphorylation.
- Utilized a unilateral ureteral obstruction mouse model to study renal fibrosis in integrin α1β1 knockout mice.
Main Results:
- Tyrosine phosphorylation in the TβRII tail is crucial for SMAD-dependent fibrotic signaling in kidney cells.
- TCPTP dephosphorylates TβRII tail tyrosines, inhibiting TGF-β-dependent fibrotic signaling.
- Integrin α1β1 is essential for recruiting TCPTP to TβRII, and its absence leads to severe kidney fibrosis.
Conclusions:
- A novel pathway involving integrin α1β1, TCPTP, and TβRII tyrosine dephosphorylation regulates kidney fibrotic signaling.
- Targeting this crosstalk may offer new therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating kidney fibrosis.
- This study reveals a critical mechanism linking cell surface receptors to intracellular fibrotic cascades.
More Related Videos
11:38Visualization and Quantification of TGFβ/BMP/SMAD Signaling under Different Fluid Shear Stress Conditions using Proximity-Ligation-Assay
Published on: September 14, 2021
07:49Molecular Analysis of Endothelial-mesenchymal Transition Induced by Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling
Published on: August 3, 2018
Related Concept Videos
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Some...
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
Amplifying Signals via Enzymatic Cascade
Receptor Downregulation in MVBs
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive EGFR...
Activation of Integrins
In "outside-in signaling," external factors in the extracellular space bind to exposed ligand binding sites on integrins. This causes the inactive protein to undergo a conformational change to become active. Integrins are often clustered on the cell membrane. Repetitive and regularly spaced ligand binding...