[Interactions between fibrillin-1 and tgf-beta: consequences and human pathology]

Med Sci (Paris). 2009 Feb;25(2):161-7. doi: 10.1051/medsci/2009252161.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Fibrillin-1 (FBN-1) is the main component of the 10-12 nm microfibrils found in the extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM displays a structural role in the tissue-specific organization and takes part in the regulation of various cytokines and growth factors. A growing body of evidences supports a narrow relationship between FBN-1 and TGF-beta. Homology between FBN-1 and latent TGF-beta (LTGF) allows microfibrills to be a reservoir for this cytokine. The Marfan syndrome (MFS), a prototypic fibrillinopathy, highlights these relationships as it relates to 2 major genes that are FBN1 and TGF-beta type II receptor (TGFBR2) genes. In a mouse model of MFS, an up-regulation of the TGF-beta pathway is partly responsible for the phenotype. This FBN-1/TGF-beta relationship may play also a role in systemic sclerosis (SSc), a multigenic disease characterized by excessive generalised ECM deposit. Indeed, two related animal models results from both gene mutations: the Tight Skin 1 mouse is due to a partial in-frame duplication of the Fbn1 gene and another model conditionally overexpresses TGF-beta type I receptor. A better understanding of FBN-1/TGF-beta relationship appears of great importance in fibrillinopathies: it may allow reconsidering the nosologic framework of these diseases including the TGF-beta signalopathies and could lead to innovative therapeutic strategies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Extracellular Matrix / physiology
  • Fibrillin-1
  • Fibrillins
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Marfan Syndrome / genetics
  • Marfan Syndrome / pathology
  • Marfan Syndrome / physiopathology*
  • Microfilament Proteins / genetics*
  • Microfilament Proteins / physiology
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics
  • Receptor, Transforming Growth Factor-beta Type II
  • Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta / genetics
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / genetics
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / physiology*

Substances

  • FBN1 protein, human
  • Fbn1 protein, mouse
  • Fibrillin-1
  • Fibrillins
  • Microfilament Proteins
  • Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • Receptor, Transforming Growth Factor-beta Type II