Involvement of TGFβI in fibrotic diseases:: role of its effectors, the Smad proteins

Introduction. - Transforming Growth Factor beta 1 (TGF beta 1) is a key cytokine in the development of fibrotic diseases which are characterized by a pathological excess of extracellular matrix involving multiple organs. Exegesis. - To induce its biological effects, TGF beta 1 interacts with Ser/Thr kinase receptor complexes. The polypeptide binding to the receptors induces TGF beta intracellular mediator phosphorylation and namely Smad proteins. Upon phosphorylation the latter form protein complexes which are then translocated to the nucleus where they participate to matrix gene regulation. Conclusion. - We will summarize the literature on the involvement of TGF beta 1 through the Smad proteins in fibrotic diseases. (C) 2005 Elsevier SAS. Tous droits reserve.