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TGFβ signaling and the control of myofibroblast differentiation: Implications for chronic inflammatory disorders
Author(s) -
Carthy Jonathon M.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of cellular physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.529
H-Index - 174
eISSN - 1097-4652
pISSN - 0021-9541
DOI - 10.1002/jcp.25879
Subject(s) - myofibroblast , transforming growth factor , fibrosis , cytokine , wound healing , inflammation , cancer research , immunology , function (biology) , microbiology and biotechnology , medicine , biology , pathology
The myofibroblast is a highly specialized cell type that plays a critical role during normal tissue wound healing, but also contributes pathologically to chronic inflammatory conditions such as fibrosis and cancer. As fibrotic conditions continue to be a major burden to the public health system, novel therapies that target the function of myofibroblasts may show promise in the clinic. The cytokine transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is the most potent known inducer of myofibroblast differentiation and thus represents a powerful target to modify myofibroblast function during disease. This review focuses on our current understanding of the key signaling pathways activated by TGFβ during myofibroblast differentiation.