TGFB3 Human

Transforming Growth Factor-Beta 3 (TGF-β3) is a cytokine encoded by the TGFB3 gene. It belongs to the Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β) superfamily, which includes several other growth factors such as TGF-β1, TGF-β2, Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs), Growth and Differentiation Factors (GDFs), inhibins, and activins . TGF-β3 plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including cell differentiation, embryogenesis, and development .

TGF-β3 is a homodimeric protein linked by disulfide bonds. It is initially synthesized as a precursor protein that undergoes proteolytic cleavage to form the mature, active cytokine . The mature TGF-β3 protein consists of 112 amino acids . The activation of TGF-β3 involves binding to its receptors, TGF-β receptor type II (TβRII) and type I (TβRI), forming a receptor complex that initiates downstream signaling pathways .

TGF-β3 is involved in several critical biological functions:

1. Cell Differentiation and Development: TGF-β3 regulates molecules involved in cellular adhesion and extracellular matrix (ECM) formation, which are essential for tissue development and repair . It plays a significant role in palate development, and its absence can lead to cleft palate in mammals .

2. Wound Healing: TGF-β3 orchestrates the movements of epidermal and dermal cells during wound healing, promoting tissue repair and regeneration .

3. Lung Development: TGF-β3 is crucial for lung development by regulating cell adhesion and ECM formation in lung tissues .

4. Immune Regulation: TGF-β3 can modulate immune responses by promoting or inhibiting various immune events .

Human recombinant TGF-β3 has been optimized for use in cell culture, differentiation studies, and functional assays . It has potential applications in:

• Stem Cell Research: TGF-β3 is used in studies of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation and regulation of osteogenesis and chondrogenesis .
• Tissue Engineering: It is involved in tissue engineering, organ development, and embryogenesis .
• Wound Healing: TGF-β3 is investigated for its role in wound healing and tissue remodeling .

Human recombinant TGF-β3 (avotermin) underwent phase I/II clinical trials for its potential use in wound healing and scar reduction . However, it failed to meet the primary endpoints in phase III trials .