Profibrogenic transforming growth factor-β/activin receptor–like kinase 5 signaling via connective tissue growth factor expression in hepatocytes

Abstract

Our data provide evidence for the profibrogenic activity of TGF-beta directed to hepatocytes and mediated via the up-regulation of CTGF. We identify ALK5-dependent Smad3 signaling as the responsible pathway inducing CTGF expression, which can be hindered by an activated activin receptor-like kinase 1 pathway and completely inhibited by TGF-beta antagonist Smad7.