The Role of TGFβ Signaling in Wound Epithelialization

Significance: Transforming growth factor ( TGF beta) has a crucial role in maintaining skin homeostasis. TGF beta signaling is important for re-epithelialization, inflammation, angiogenesis, and granulation tissue formation during wound healing. This review will discuss the most important findings regarding the role of TGF beta in epidermal maintenance and its restoration after injury. Recent Advances: Latest findings on the role of TGF beta signaling in normal and impaired wound healing, including the role of TGF beta pathway in tissue regeneration observed in super-healer animal models, will be reviewed. Critical Issues: The TGF beta pathway is attenuated in nonhealing wounds. Observed suppression of TGF beta signaling in chronic ulcers may contribute to the loss of tissue homeostasis and the inability of keratinocytes to migrate and close a wound. Future Directions: A better understanding of TGF beta signaling may provide new insights not only in the normal epithelialization process, but also in tissue regeneration. Future studies focused on TGF beta-mediated crosstalk between multiple cell types involved in wound healing may lead to development of novel therapeutic advances for chronic wounds.