The complexity of TGFβ/activin signaling in regeneration

The role of transforming growth factor beta TGF beta/activin signaling in wound repair and regeneration is highly conserved in the animal kingdom. Various studies have shown that TGF-beta/activin signaling can either promote or inhibit different aspects of the regeneration process (i.e., proliferation, differentiation, and re-epithelialization). It has been demonstrated in several biological systems that some of the different cellular responses promoted by TGF beta/activin signaling depend on the activation of Smad-dependent or Smad-independent signal transduction pathways. In the context of regeneration and wound healing, it has been shown that the type of R-Smad stimulated determines the different effects that can be obtained. However, neither the possible roles of Smad-independent pathways nor the interaction of the TGF beta/activin pathway with other complex signaling networks involved in the regenerative process has been studied extensively. Here, we review the important aspects concerning the TGF beta/activin signaling pathway in the regeneration process. We discuss data regarding the role of TGF-beta/activin in the most common animal regenerative models to demonstrate how this signaling promotes or inhibits regeneration, depending on the cellular context.

Automated summary

The role of TGFβ/activin signaling in wound repair and regeneration is highly conserved in the animal kingdom. This signaling can either promote or inhibit different aspects of the regeneration process, with the cellular responses depending on the activation of specific signaling pathways.