Recent advances in TGF-β signaling: insights into regulation, pathophysiological function, and clinical translation

Cytokines from the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily are essential regulators of cell growth, survival, and differentiation, playing a pivotal role in mammalian embryonic development, adult tissue homeostasis, and progression of human diseases. Recently, an international symposium on TGF-β Signaling in Development and Diseases was held in Nanchang, China, from October 21 to 23, 2025. This event showcased the latest advances in TGF-β signaling and its pathophysiological functions. Over ten presentations at the symposium offered new insights on Smad-dependent and non-Smad TGF-β signaling, its spatiotemporal regulation, and multifaceted roles of TGF-β family cytokines in various pathophysiological contexts. The symposium also addressed potential strategies and opportunities for targeting the TGF-β pathway in the treatment of human diseases.