Systematic Comparison of the TGF-β Isoforms in Normal Dermal and Lung Fibroblasts Identifies TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 as Priority Targets in Tissue Fibrosis
< 0.05). The TGF-β isoforms did not affect proliferation. All TGF-β isoforms activated SMAD2/3 signalling; however, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 reduced expression of TGF-β Receptor II and the inhibitory regulator, SMAD7. In summary, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3 have a more pronounced profibrotic effect than TGF-β1 on dermal and lung fibroblast functions, making them potential targets for treatment for skin and lung fibrosis in diseases such as SSc.
Authors
- Kevin J. Keen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5695-0505)
- James V. Dunne
- Raveen Badyal (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1278-3933)
- Tillie-Louise Hackett
- Brandon Kohlen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-4754-6169)
Institutions
- University of British Columbia (CA)
- University of Northern British Columbia (CA)
- St. Paul's Hospital (CA)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Cells
- Published
- 2026-04-10
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/cells15080671
- Primary Topic
- Systemic Sclerosis and Related Diseases
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Canada Research Chairs
- Scleroderma Association of British Columbia
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research