Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2025

Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells
Published on: October 27, 2020
Bone morphogenetic protein-3 is a negative regulator of transforming growth factor beta and fibrosis
Emma R Dorris1, David E Phelan1, John Russell2
1School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; National Children's Research Centre, Children's Health Ireland (Crumlin), Dublin, Ireland.
Abstract:
Fibrosis results in one-third of all deaths globally and is a major healthcare challenge. Fibrosis is scarring caused by the excess deposition of extracellular matrix proteins by fibroblasts. Inhibition of pathways downstream of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) a pluripotent growth factor, has potent antifibrotic effects in different organs. Here we show that loss of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-3) is a feature of kidney fibrosis, independent of the initiating injury, suggesting loss of this cytokine is a core fibrotic mechanism. TGF-β decreased BMP3 expression in human fibroblasts is possibly a feed-forward loop that contributes to increased and sustained TGF-β activity. Recombinant human BMP-3 reduced TGF-β induced fibroblast contraction, migration and invasion, pathways that lead to scarring and tissue stiffening. BMP-3 reduced TGF-β stimulated collagen cross-linking, and Ox-LDL receptor 1, a regulator of collagen deposition. BMP-3 inhibited TGF-β stimulated lysyl oxidase activity. Lysyl oxidase mediated collagen cross-linking is a critical process in TGF-β induced fibrosis. We propose that BMP-3 alters fibroblast responses to TGF-β, shifting the balance from fibrosis to repair. Recombinant human BMP-3 shows promise for development as a novel therapeutic for fibrosis.
Insights
Loss of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-3) is linked to kidney fibrosis. BMP-3 may reverse fibrosis by inhibiting transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling, offering a potential new therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Fibrosis, characterized by excess extracellular matrix deposition, causes one-third of global deaths.
- Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) pathway inhibition shows antifibrotic effects.
- Kidney fibrosis involves complex cellular and molecular mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the role of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-3) in kidney fibrosis.
- Determine if BMP-3 loss is a core fibrotic mechanism.
- Evaluate the therapeutic potential of BMP-3 in fibrosis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of BMP-3 expression in kidney fibrosis.
- Assessment of TGF-β effects on BMP3 expression in human fibroblasts.
- In vitro studies using recombinant human BMP-3 to modulate fibroblast behavior (contraction, migration, invasion).
- Measurement of collagen cross-linking and lysyl oxidase activity.
Main Results:
- Loss of BMP-3 is observed in kidney fibrosis, independent of injury type.
- TGF-β downregulates BMP3 expression in fibroblasts, potentially creating a positive feedback loop.
- Recombinant BMP-3 counteracted TGF-β-induced fibroblast contraction, migration, and invasion.
- BMP-3 reduced TGF-β-stimulated collagen cross-linking and lysyl oxidase activity.
Conclusions:
- Loss of BMP-3 appears to be a central mechanism in kidney fibrosis.
- BMP-3 modulates fibroblast responses to TGF-β, shifting the balance from fibrosis towards repair.
- Recombinant BMP-3 presents a promising therapeutic strategy for treating fibrosis.
More Related Videos
07:49Molecular Analysis of Endothelial-mesenchymal Transition Induced by Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling
Published on: August 3, 2018
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
Negative Regulator Molecules
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM
Master Transcription Regulators
Abnormal Proliferation