| Literature DB >> 19729474 |
Abstract
A subset of integrins function as cell surface receptors for the profibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). TGF-beta is expressed in an inactive or latent form, and activation of TGF-beta is a major mechanism that regulates TGF-beta function. Indeed, important TGF-beta activation mechanisms involve several of the TGF-beta binding integrins. Knockout mice suggest essential roles for integrin-mediated TGF-beta activation in vessel and craniofacial morphogenesis during development and in immune homeostasis and the fibrotic wound healing response in the adult. Amplification of integrin-mediated TGF-beta activation in fibrotic disorders and data from preclinical models suggest that integrins may therefore represent novel targets for antifibrotic therapies.Entities:
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Year: 2009 PMID: 19729474 PMCID: PMC2751532 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2009.090393
Source DB: PubMed Journal: Am J Pathol ISSN: 0002-9440 Impact factor: 4.307