Transforming growth factor beta 1 signaling pathway (TGF-β1 signaling pathway)

The transforming growth factor beta 1 signaling pathway is a fundamental cellular signaling network mediated by the TGF-β1 cytokine, a major member of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily. TGF-β1 initiates signaling by binding membrane-bound serine/threonine kinase type II and type I receptors (TGFβR2/TGFβR1), leading to phosphorylation of receptor-regulated SMAD proteins that act as transcription factors in the nucleus to regulate target gene expression[5]. The pathway controls key biological processes including cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, immune regulation, extracellular matrix production, angiogenesis, and wound healing[3][5][9]. Dysregulation of TGF-β1 signaling is associated with diseases such as cancer (where it promotes immune evasion, invasion, and metastasis), various fibrotic diseases, and genetic connective tissue disorders like Marfan and Loeys-Dietz syndromes[1][4][7]. The pathway is a major therapeutic target, with drugs in clinical use or development aiming to block TGF-β1 ligand or receptor activity, inactivate its downstream signaling, or reduce ligand production[2][4][6].

Other names

TGF-beta1 signaling pathwayTGF-β1 pathwayTGFβ1 cascadeTGF-β signaling pathwayTransforming growth factor beta pathway

Inhibition of ligand (TGF-β1) and receptor binding Inhibition of TGF-β receptor kinase activity Suppression of downstream SMAD-dependent signal transduction Antisense-mediated degradation of TGFB1 mRNA Trapping and neutralization of TGF-β ligands