TGF-beta 3: A promising growth factor in engineered organogenesis

Background: Engineered organogenesis is one of the most challenging areas on the cutting edge of regenerative medicine. Growth factors can affect cell proliferation, migration and differentiation profoundly, and thus play a critical role in tissue regeneration. TGF-beta s produce a wide range of effects in different cells and tissues. TGF-beta 3 is relatively recently discovered and studied. Objective: To provide a broader understanding of the current state of TGF-beta 3 in engineered osteogenesis, chondrogenesis, palate development, scar-free wound healing, odontogenesis and neurogenesis. Methods: This review summarizes studies that explore or apply TGF-beta 3 for organogenesis with engineering methodology and a regenerative medical perspective. Results/conclusion: TGF-beta 3 has proven to be a competent growth factor in engineered organogenesis in vitro. In recent years, using TGF-beta 3, more and more in vivo studies have yielded significant therapeutic achievements in animal models, which bear much promise for future medical application.