Recent advantages on TGF-β/Smad signaling transduction pathway and cataract

Authors: Li Hua,  Tang Xin
DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.2095-0160.2015.04.018
Published 2015-04-10
Cite as Chin J Exp Ophthalmol, 2015,33(4): 377-379.

Abstract                              [Download PDF] [Read Full Text]

The crystalline lens is an important refraction tissue in the eye, and its transparency mainly relies on the lens epithelial cells (LECs). The normal development, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of LECs are mainly regulated by cytokine and signal transduction pathways, the pathological change may lead to cataract. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is recognized by the important regulator factor of physiological and pathological conditions in lens. Smad proteins family are important factors of TGF-β signaling transduction. TGF-β/Smad signalling pathway plays an important role in the induction of cataract. This article reviewed the participation of TGF-β/Smad in the regulation of the key cellular processes leading to lens pathology.

Key words:

Transforming growth factor-β; Smad proteins; Cataract

Contributor Information

Li Hua
Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300020, China
Tang Xin
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Updated: April 10, 2023 — 8:54 am