TGF-β plays a key role in fibrosis. β-catenin is common transcription factor in major TGF-β profibrotic signaling pathways and binds competitively to either TCF or Foxo transcription factors. In human kidney biopsies, the authors found that β-catenin/Foxo interaction was negatively correlated, while that of β-catenin/TCF was positively correlated with kidney fibrosis. They further identified β-catenin/Foxo-dependent protection against TGF-β-induced profibrotic changes in tubular cells and kidney fibrosis.
- Padmashree Rao
- Min Pang
- David C. Harris