Review
Version 1
Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed
TGF- β Signaling Pathways in the Development of Diabetic Retinopathy
Version 1
: Received: 24 January 2024 / Approved: 26 January 2024 / Online: 26 January 2024 (10:15:43 CET)
A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.
Callan, A.; Jha, S.; Valdez, L.; Baldado, L.; Tsin, A. TGF-β Signaling Pathways in the Development of Diabetic Retinopathy. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25, 3052. Callan, A.; Jha, S.; Valdez, L.; Baldado, L.; Tsin, A. TGF-β Signaling Pathways in the Development of Diabetic Retinopathy. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25, 3052.
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a prevalent complication of diabetes mellitus affecting a significant portion of the global population, has long been viewed primarily as a microvascular disorder. However, emerging evidence suggests that it should be redefined as a neurovascular disease with multifaceted pathogenesis rooted in oxidative stress and advanced glycation end products. The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling family has emerged as a major contributor to DR pathogenesis due to its pivotal role in retinal vascular homeostasis, endothelial cell barrier function, and pericyte differentiation. However, the precise roles of TGF-β signaling in DR remain incompletely understood, with conflicting reports on its impact in different stages of the disease. Additionally, the BMP subfamily within the TGF-β superfamily introduces further complexity, with BMPs exhibiting both pro- and anti-angiogenic properties. Furthermore, TGF-β signaling extends beyond the vascular realm, encompassing immune regulation, neuronal survival, and maintenance. The intricate interactions between TGF-β and reactive oxygen species (ROS), non-coding RNAs, and inflammatory mediators have been implicated in the pathogenesis of DR. This review delves into the complex web of signaling pathways orchestrated by the TGF-β superfamily and their involvement in DR. A comprehensive understanding of these pathways may hold the key to developing targeted therapies to halt or mitigate the progression of DR and its devastating consequences.
Keywords
Diabetic retinopathy; TGF-β; transforming growth factor-β; reactive oxygen species; diabetes mellitus; retina; cell signaling; bone morphogenic proteins
Subject
Medicine and Pharmacology, Ophthalmology
Copyright: This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
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