TGF-β Family Signaling in Mesenchymal Differentiation
- Ingo Grafe1,
- Stefanie Alexander1,
- Jonathan R. Peterson2,
- Taylor Nicholas Snider3,
- Benjamin Levi2,
- Brendan Lee1 and
- Yuji Mishina3
- 1Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- 2Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
- 3Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
- Correspondence: mishina{at}umich.edu; blee{at}bcm.edu
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into several lineages during development and also contribute to tissue homeostasis and regeneration, although the requirements for both may be distinct. MSC lineage commitment and progression in differentiation are regulated by members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family. This review focuses on the roles of TGF-β family signaling in mesenchymal lineage commitment and differentiation into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, myoblasts, adipocytes, and tenocytes. We summarize the reported findings of cell culture studies, animal models, and interactions with other signaling pathways and highlight how aberrations in TGF-β family signaling can drive human disease by affecting mesenchymal differentiation.
