TGF-? signaling in the kidney: profibrotic and protective effects.

ABSTRACT: Transforming growth factor-? (TGF-?) is generally considered as a central mediator of fibrotic diseases. Indeed, much focus has been placed on inhibiting TGF-? and its downstream targets as ideal therapeutic strategies. However, pharmacological blockade of TGF-? has not yet translated into successful therapy for humans, which may be due to pleiotropic effects of TGF-? signaling. Equally, TGF-? signaling as a protective response in kidney injury has been relatively underexplored. An emerging body of evidence from experimental kidney disease models indicates multifunctionality of TGF-? capable of inducing profibrotic and protective effects. This review discusses recent advances highlighting the diverse roles of TGF-? in promoting not only renal fibrosis but also protective responses of TGF-? signaling. We review, in particular, growing evidence that supports protective effects of TGF-? by mechanisms which include inhibiting inflammation and induction of autophagy. Additional detailed studies are required to fully understand the diverse mechanisms of TGF-? actions in renal fibrosis and inflammation that will likely direct toward effective antifibrotic therapies.

SUBMITTER: Sureshbabu A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4824143 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature