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

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: 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.

Source: Cell Regeneration

DOI: 10.1186/s13619-026-00286-w

Authors: Xiaohua Yan, Junyu Zhang, Carl-Henrik Heldin, Xin-Hua Feng, Ye-Guang Chen

Institutions: Nanchang University, Uppsala University, Science for Life Laboratory, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Zhejiang University

Language: English

Topic: TGF-β signaling in diseases

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi Province