Transforming growth factor-β: Biology and clinical relevance

Abstract

Transforming growth factor-β is a pleiotropic growth factor that has enthralled many investigators for approximately two decades. In addition to many reports that have clarified the basic mechanism of transforming growth factor-β signal transduction, numerous laboratories have published on the clinical implication/application of transforming growth factor-β. To name a few, dysregulation of transforming growth factor-β signaling plays a role in carcinogenesis, autoimmunity, angiogenesis, and wound healing. In this report, we will review these clinical implications of transforming growth factor-β.