The regulation of TGFbeta signal transduction

Development. 2009 Nov;136(22):3699-714. doi: 10.1242/dev.030338.

Abstract

Transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta) pathways are implicated in metazoan development, adult homeostasis and disease. TGFbeta ligands signal via receptor serine/threonine kinases that phosphorylate, and activate, intracellular Smad effectors as well as other signaling proteins. Oligomeric Smad complexes associate with chromatin and regulate transcription, defining the biological response of a cell to TGFbeta family members. Signaling is modulated by negative-feedback regulation via inhibitory Smads. We review here the mechanisms of TGFbeta signal transduction in metazoans and emphasize events crucial for embryonic development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Embryo, Mammalian / metabolism
  • Embryo, Nonmammalian / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
  • Humans
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism*

Substances

  • Transforming Growth Factor beta