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Updated: Sep 27, 2025

Visualization and Quantification of TGFβ/BMP/SMAD Signaling under Different Fluid Shear Stress Conditions using Proximity-Ligation-Assay
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TGF-β/Smad Signaling Pathway in Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis

Xiao-Yong Yu1, Qian Sun1, Ya-Mei Zhang2

  • 1Department of Nephrology, Shaanxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Xi'an, China.

Frontiers in Pharmacology
|April 11, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Natural products show promise in treating kidney fibrosis by targeting the TGF-β/Smad pathway. This review explores their mechanisms and potential for managing chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents a significant global health challenge, with renal fibrosis, particularly tubulointerstitial fibrosis, being its terminal stage.
  • The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/Smad signaling pathway is a critical mediator in the development of renal fibrosis.
  • Targeting this pathway offers a promising therapeutic strategy for mitigating kidney fibrosis.

Approach:

  • This review synthesizes current research on the role of the TGF-β/Smad pathway in renal fibrosis.
  • It examines natural products that inhibit tubulointerstitial fibrosis by modulating this pathway.
  • The review highlights the multi-target, multi-component, and low-side-effect advantages of natural product-based therapies.

Key Points:

  • Natural products offer a viable therapeutic avenue for combating renal fibrosis.
  • Inhibition of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway is a key mechanism by which these natural products exert their effects.
  • Understanding the molecular mechanisms of natural products can lead to novel treatments for CKD.

Conclusions:

  • Natural products targeting the TGF-β/Smad pathway represent a promising strategy for treating tubulointerstitial fibrosis.
  • Further research into these natural products could unlock new therapeutic opportunities for managing chronic kidney disease.
  • Addressing the challenges and opportunities in this field is crucial for future advancements in renal fibrosis treatment.
Keywords:
TGF-β/Smad signaling pathwaychronic kidney diseasenatural productsrenal fibrosistubulointerstitial fibrosis

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