TGF-β Family Signaling in Connective Tissue and Skeletal Diseases.

ABSTRACT: The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family of signaling molecules, which includes TGF-βs, activins, inhibins, and numerous bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and growth and differentiation factors (GDFs), has important functions in all cells and tissues, including soft connective tissues and the skeleton. Specific TGF-β family members play different roles in these tissues, and their activities are often balanced with those of other TGF-β family members and by interactions with other signaling pathways. Perturbations in TGF-β family pathways are associated with numerous human diseases with prominent involvement of the skeletal and cardiovascular systems. This review focuses on the role of this family of signaling molecules in the pathologies of connective tissues that manifest in rare

SUBMITTER: MacFarlane EG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5666637 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature