TGFBR3

Fig1. TβRIII Structure. (Catherine E Gatza, 2010)

What is TGFBR3 protein?

TGFBR3 gene (transforming growth factor beta receptor 3) is a protein coding gene which situated on the short arm of chromosome 1 at locus 1p22. TGFBR3 is related to a larger family of proteins that play crucial roles in regulating cell growth, differentiation, and other processes. The TGF-β superfamily includes over 30 different ligands and their receptors. TGFBR3 is involved in modulating the signaling pathways initiated by TGF-β ligands. TGFBR3 is widely expressed in various tissues, including the heart, skeletal muscle, and the nervous system. Its expression can vary depending on the tissue type and developmental stage. TGFBR3 has been implicated in several developmental processes, including embryogenesis, where it plays a role in pattern formation and organogenesis. The TGFBR3 protein is consisted of 851 amino acids and TGFBR3 molecular weight is approximately 93.5 kDa.

What is the function of TGFBR3 protein?

TGFBR3 acts as a co-receptor for TGF-β ligands, modulating the binding and activity of the primary TGF-β receptors, such as TGFBR1 and TGFBR2. By affecting TGF-β signaling, TGFBR3 contributes to the control of cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. TGFBR3 plays a role in embryonic development, including processes like mesoderm formation and left-right axis determination. In some contexts, TGFBR3 may function as a tumor suppressor, limiting the growth of tumors by modulating TGF-β pathways that control cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. TGFBR3 is involved in cell adhesion processes and can influence the behavior of cells within the extracellular matrix. Studies have suggested a link between TGFBR3 and bone metabolism, with implications for conditions like osteoporosis.

TGFBR3 Related Signaling Pathway

TGFBR3 regulates signal transduction by enhancing the binding of TGF-β ligand to the signaling receptor TGFBR2. Activated signaling receptors further trigger a MAD-dependent pathway in which activated TGFBR1 phosphorylates Smad2 and Smad3, and these R-Smads then form complexes with Smad4 to enter the nucleus and regulate the expression of target genes. In addition, TGF-β signaling activates non-Smad pathways, such as MAPK, PI3K/Akt, and RhoA pathways, affecting cell behavior and gene expression. The role of TGFBR3 in signaling may depend on the cellular environment, and the signaling pathway interacts with other signaling pathways such as Wnt, Notch, and Hedgehog. The strict regulation of TGF-β signaling involves feedback mechanisms and the participation of TGFBR3 to ensure the timeliness and appropriateness of the signal.

Fig1. TβRIII Regulates BMP Mediated Signaling. (Catherine E Gatza, 2010)

TGFBR3 Related Diseases

Tgfbr3-associated diseases involve multiple physiological and pathological processes whose abnormal expression or function may contribute to the development of the disease. For example, in some types of cancer, TGFBR3 may act as a tumor suppressor or promoter, affecting cell cycle control, cell migration, and aggressiveness, and thus be associated with tumor initiation, development, and metastasis. In addition, dysfunction of TGFBR3 has also been associated with cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, and fibrotic diseases, including liver and kidney fibrosis, by regulating extracellular matrix deposition and immune response. TGFBR3 may also be associated with bone diseases such as osteoporosis, as it plays a role in regulating bone formation and absorption balance. In the nervous system, abnormalities in TGFBR3 may be associated with neurodegenerative diseases.

Bioapplications of TGFBR3

In the field of cancer therapy, interventions targeting TGFBR3 and its signaling pathway may help regulate cell behavior in the tumor microenvironment, including inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. In the treatment of fibrotic diseases, regulating the function of TGFBR3 may slow down or reverse the process of tissue fibrosis. In addition, the role of TGFBR3 in bone metabolism makes it also a concern in treatment strategies for osteoporosis and may help promote bone formation or inhibit bone resorption. In drug development, TGFBR3 can be used as a drug target to guide the design of new drugs to treat related diseases.