Transforming growth factor beta receptor type 3 (TGFBR3) (TGFBR3)

Transforming growth factor beta receptor type 3 (TGFBR3), commonly known as betaglycan, is a membrane-bound proteoglycan that serves as a critical co-receptor for the TGF-beta superfamily of ligands (Wikipedia, 2024). Unlike the type I and type II TGF-beta receptors, betaglycan lacks intrinsic kinase activity but plays a vital role in facilitating the binding of ligands, particularly TGF-beta2, to the signaling complex (NIH, 2022). It also acts as a scaffold for inhibin, enabling it to antagonize activin signaling, which is essential for normal gonad development and function (MDPI, 2021). In the context of oncology, betaglycan often functions as a tumor suppressor, and its expression is frequently lost during the progression and metastasis of various cancers, including breast, prostate, and lung cancer (NIH, 2026). Therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway include the use of betaglycan-derived peptides like Disitertide (P144) to inhibit TGF-beta-mediated fibrosis in conditions such as scleroderma (NIH, 2018). Additionally, the soluble form of the receptor, produced by ectodomain shedding, can act as a natural antagonist by sequestering TGF-beta ligands (Frontiers, 2020).

Other names

BetaglycanTGF-beta receptor type IIIBGCANTGFR-3Transforming growth factor beta receptor 3

Acts as a co-receptor that presents TGF-beta ligands (especially TGF-beta2) to signaling receptors (TGFBR1/TGFBR2) and binds inhibin to antagonize activin signaling; can be shed as a soluble decoy receptor.