Abstract
Crosstalk between the BMP and TGF-β signaling pathways regulates many complex developmental processes from the earliest stages of embryogenesis throughout adult life. In many situations, the two signaling pathways act reciprocally. For example, TGF-β signaling is generally pro-fibrotic, whereas BMP signaling is anti-fibrotic and pro-calcific. Sex-specific differences occur in many diseases including cardiovascular pathologies. Differing ratios of fibrosis and calcification in stenotic valves suggests that BMP/TGF-β signaling may vary in men and women. In this review, we focus on the current understanding of the interplay between sex and BMP/TGF-β signaling and pose several unanswered questions.
Highlights
The distinct developmental mechanisms that bring about the dramatic differences in male and female characteristics are well studied
Understanding of the impact of sex-associated signaling on the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and other pathways in developing animals and during adult life is incomplete
Of greater overall impact to female biology, both the BMP and TGF-β signaling pathways regulate a key factor in X-chromosome inactivation
Summary
The distinct developmental mechanisms that bring about the dramatic differences in male and female characteristics are well studied. Understanding of the impact of sex-associated signaling on the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and other pathways in developing animals and during adult life is incomplete. Cardiac valvulogenesis is just one of the many complex developmental processes where both BMP and TGF-β signals, along with WNT, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), NOTCH, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) signals, orchestrate differentiation and morphology [1,2,3]. Because TGF-β signaling is generally pro-fibrotic and BMP signaling is generally anti-fibrotic, we wondered if sex-associated changes in this balance contributed to the skewed sex distribution of valvular heart disease [4,7,8,9,10,11]. We review the current state of understanding regarding the impact of sex on BMP and TGF-β signaling and identify several unanswered questions
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
