Overview

Transforming growth factor (TGF) beta 3 is a member of the TGF-β superfamily and regulates diverse cellular phenotypes. TGF-beta 3 binds to serine-threonine kinase type I and II receptors and activates signal transduction through SMAD2/3 proteins, thus regulating a variety of functions, including cell proliferation, differentiation, wound healing, apoptosis, and metabolism (Massagué; McDowell et al.). TGF-beta 3 enhances glycosaminoglycan production by mesenchymal stromal cells, stimulates scar-free healing, and improves glucose tolerance and phenotypic changes in adipocyte morphology (Hall et al.; Holton et al.). TGF-beta 3 induces proliferation of posterofrontal suture-derived mesenchymal stromal cells, and stimulates expression of fibroblast growth factors 2 and 18 (James et al.).