Localization of TGF-β and Its Receptors in the Kidney

Abstract
This paper reviews the expression and localization of proteins of the TGF-β system in the kidney, i.e. TGF-β isoforms, latent TGF-β binding protein, and receptors. There is heterogeneity of TGF-β isoforms, binding proteins and receptors. TGF-βs are more evenly distributed among different segments of the nephron than TGF-β receptors, and are expressed by almost all cell types in the kidney. The spatial distribution of TGF-β and its signaling receptor may help to better understand the biologic function of TGF-β in the kidney.