Transforming Growth Factor-β in Renal Disease

Abstract
An extensive number of animal and clinical studies indicate that transforming growth factors-β (TGF-βs) play an important role in inflammatory and fibrotic diseases, including renal fibrosis. Recent mouse models harboring genetically engineered alterations in TGF-β pathways reveal complicated mechanisms of regulation of TGF-β activity in vivo. The purpose of this review is to present recent advances relevant to our understanding of the TGF-β-signaling system in renal physiology and pathophysiology.