Transforming Growth Factor-β/Smad3 Signaling Pathway in Atherosclerosis

The transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β) is superfamily of growth factors,which has similar structure and plays a pivotal role in holding the structure of the vascular wall and the development of atherosclerosis.The TGF-β mediates Smad signaling to regulate cell function.In Smad family,Smad3 plays an important role in embryo later stage.Recently,the application of gene knockout and siRNA interference,Smad3's physiological role is further clarified.It has been found to participate in TGF-β-mediated cell proliferation,apoptosis,immunity supervision and cardiovascular development.The studies suggested that the TGF-β/Smad3 signaling is a critical pathway in the process of atherosclerosis,and that might be a potential therapeutic target.