Tgf Beta Family Signaling And Development

Thetransforminggrowth factor beta (TGF beta) signaling family is evolutionarily conserved inmetazoans. The signal transduction mechanisms of TGF beta family members have been expansively investigated and are well understood. During development and homeostasis, numerous TGF beta family members are expressed in various cell types with temporally changing levels, playing diverse roles in embryonic development, adult tissue homeostasis and human diseases by regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, migration and apoptosis. Here, we discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying signal transduction and regulation of the TGF beta subfamily pathways, and then highlight their key functions in mesendoderm induction, dorsoventral patterning and laterality development, as well as in the formation of several representative tissues/organs.