TGF-β and the TGF-β Family: Context-Dependent Roles in Cell and Tissue Physiology

The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) is the prototype of the TGF-beta family of growth and differentiation factors, which is encoded by 33 genes in mammals and comprises homo- and heterodimers. This review introduces the reader to the TGF-beta family with its complexity of names and biological activities. It also introduces TGF-beta as the best-studied factor among the TGF-beta family proteins, with its diversity of roles in the control of cell proliferation and differentiation, wound healing and immune system, and its key roles in pathology, for example, skeletal diseases, fibrosis, and cancer.