TGF-beta Receptor Signal Transduction in Vascular Development

Genetic studies in mice and men have revealed an important role for Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-beta) super-family members and their signaling receptors in vascular development. Studies using knock-out mice showed that deficiency in several TGF-beta ligands or receptors leads to early embryonic lethality due to vascular malformations. In this paper we will focus on the role of the TGF-beta type I receptors ALK-1 and ALK-5, and the TGF-beta co-receptor endoglin in vascular development and how the interplay between these signaling pathway influences vascular development, both via directly influencing the endothelial cells as well as their effects on pericytes.