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Updated: Jan 17, 2026

Visualization and Quantification of TGFβ/BMP/SMAD Signaling under Different Fluid Shear Stress Conditions using Proximity-Ligation-Assay
Published on: September 14, 2021
The pivotal role of TGF-β/Smad pathway in fibrosis pathogenesis and treatment
Feilong Chen1, Lei Lyu1, Chengyuan Xing1
1Sports Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Expert Centre of Sichuan Province, Institute of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, China.
Abstract:
Fibrosis, which is characterized by pathological extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation impairing organ function, is governed primarily by dysregulated transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad signalling. TGF-β1 triggers canonical (Smad2/3-dependent) and noncanonical pathways upon receptor binding, driving profibrotic processes such as fibroblast activation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), excessive ECM production (e.g., collagen), and the suppression of matrix degradation. This pathway is central to organ-specific fibrogenesis: In liver fibrosis, it activates hepatic stellate cells (HSCs); in renal fibrosis, it promotes tubular injury and ECM deposition; in pulmonary fibrosis, it induces EMT/fibroblast transition in radiation/bleomycin models; in cardiac fibrosis, it mediates fibroblast activation in diabetic cardiomyopathy/atrial fibrillation via NPRC/TGIF1/USP mechanisms; and in skin fibrosis (e.g., scleroderma), it stimulates collagen overproduction, which is suppressed by osthole or mesenchymal stem cells. The TGF-β/Smad axis thus represents a pivotal therapeutic target. Future research should clarify tissue-specific regulatory networks and develop combinatorial antifibrotic strategies.
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