Neuroadaptations and TGF-beta signaling: emerging role in models of neuropsychiatric disorders

Neuropsychiatric diseases are manifested by maladaptive behavioral plasticity. Despite the greater understanding of the neuroplasticity underlying behavioral adaptations, pinpointing precise cellular mediators has remained elusive. This has stymied the development of pharmacological interventions to combat these disorders both at the level of progression and relapse. With increased knowledge on the putative role of the transforming growth factor (TGF- beta) family of proteins in mediating diverse neuroadaptations, the influence of TGF-beta signaling in regulating maladaptive cellular and behavioral plasticity underlying neuropsychiatric disorders is being increasingly elucidated. The current review is focused on what is currently known about the TGF-beta signaling in the central nervous system in mediating cellular and behavioral plasticity related to neuropsychiatric manifestations.

Automated summary

Neuropsychiatric diseases are characterized by maladaptive behavioral plasticity, and precise cellular mediators have been difficult to pinpoint. Increasing knowledge on the role of the transforming growth factor (TGF-beta) family of proteins in regulating neuroadaptations is shedding light on the influence of TGF-beta signaling in neuropsychiatric disorders.