Review
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World J Biol Chem. Mar 26, 2012; 3(3): 41-52
Published online Mar 26, 2012. doi: 10.4331/wjbc.v3.i3.41
Transforming growth factor-β and smooth muscle differentiation
Xia Guo, Shi-You Chen
Xia Guo, Shi-You Chen, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, United States
Author contributions: Guo X and Chen SY contributed to this paper.
Supported by Grants from National Institutes of Health, No. HL093429 and No. HL107526 to Dr. Chen
Correspondence to: Shi-You Chen, PhD, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, 501 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602, United States. sc229@uga.edu
Telephone: +1-706-5428284 Fax: +1-706-5423015
Received: December 7, 2011
Revised: January 19, 2012
Accepted: January 26, 2012
Published online: March 26, 2012
Abstract

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β family members are multifunctional cytokines regulating diverse cellular functions such as growth, adhesion, migration, apoptosis, and differentiation. TGF-βs elicit their effects via specific type I and type II serine/threonine kinase receptors and intracellular Smad transcription factors. Knockout mouse models for the different components of the TGF-β signaling pathway have revealed their critical roles in smooth muscle cell (SMC) differentiation. Genetic studies in humans have linked mutations in these signaling components to specific cardiovascular disorders such as aorta aneurysm and congenital heart diseases due to SMC defects. In this review, the current understanding of TGF-β function in SMC differentiation is highlighted, and the role of TGF-β signaling in SMC-related diseases is discussed.

Keywords: Transforming growth factor β; Smad; Smooth muscle cell; Differentiation; Cardiovascular diseases