Transforming growth factor-ß [factor-beta] in the kidney and renal diseases

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The discovery and study of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) has a long history, and the understanding of its role in normal and abnormal biology has been revised and enlarged many times. This issue presents this exciting peptide with all its different functions. In the kidney, TGF-beta appears to be a downstream mediator of several different pathobiologic events and contributes to increased accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in glomeruli and in the renal interstitium, and to progressive renal failure. The physiologic expression of TGF-beta, its receptor and support proteins suggest contributions to the normal function and structure of the nephron. These may include anti-inflammatory functions and physiologic regulation of renal cell turnover. Thus, TGF-beta is probably the single most important molecule in the pathophysiology of renal disease.