TGF- signaling pathway in spinal cord injury: Mechanisms and therapeutic potential

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a highly disabling central nervous system injury with a complex pathological process, resulting in severe sensory and motor dysfunction. The current treatment modalities only alleviate its symptoms and cannot effectively intervene or treat its pathological process. Many studies have reported that the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta signaling pathway plays an important role in neuronal differentiation, growth, survival, and axonal regeneration after central nervous system injury. Furthermore, the TGF-beta signaling pathway has a vital regulatory role in SCI pathophysiology and neural regeneration. Following SCI, regulation of the TGF-beta signaling pathway can suppress inflammation, reduce apoptosis, prevent glial scar formation, and promote neural regeneration. Due to its role in SCI, the TGF-beta signaling pathway could be a potential therapeutic target. This article reported the pathophysiology of SCI, the characteristics of the TGF-beta signaling pathway, the role of the TGF-beta signaling pathway in SCI, and the latest evidence for targeting the TGF-beta signaling pathway for treating SCI. In addition, the limitations and difficulties in TGF-beta signaling pathway research in SCI are discussed, and solutions are provided to address these potential challenges. We hope this will provide a reference for the TGF-beta signaling pathway and SCI research, offering a theoretical basis for targeted therapy of SCI.