Transforming growth factor beta 1, Transforming growth factor beta 2, Transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3)

Transforming growth factor beta 1, 2, and 3 (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3) are closely related secreted cytokines of the TGF-β superfamily that regulate numerous essential biological processes including cell growth, differentiation, extracellular matrix production, immune modulation, and apoptosis[7][5][3]. Each isoform is encoded by a separate gene but shares high sequence homology and a conserved dimeric structure stabilized by disulfide bonds[7]. TGF-βs are secreted in a latent form and require activation before binding to their specific cell surface receptors (type I and type II serine/threonine kinase receptors), which triggers canonical SMAD-dependent signaling and various non-canonical pathways[1][2][3][5][6]. Dysregulation of TGF-β signaling contributes to the development of diseases such as cancer (where TGF-β can function as both a tumor suppressor and promoter), fibrotic disorders, chronic inflammation, and cardiovascular pathologies[3][7]. TGF-β pathway components are targets for therapeutic development in fibrosis, cancer, and immunological diseases, but its pleiotropic nature poses substantial challenges regarding safety and efficacy[3][4].

Other names

TGF-β1 (TGFB1, CED, DPD1, LAP, DPD1, MGC10471, TGF-beta-1)TGF-β2 (TGFB2)TGF-β3 (TGFB3)Latency Associated Peptide (LAP)Pro-TGF-beta (pro-TGFβ)

Inhibition of ligand-receptor interaction (neutralizing antibodies) - Inhibition of receptor kinase activity (small molecule inhibitors) - Antisense-mediated downregulation of ligand expression