Selective inhibition of activin receptor–like kinase 5 signaling blocks profibrotic transforming growth factor β responses in skin fibroblasts

Abstract

The results indicate that SB431542 is a potent inhibitor of intracellular TGFbeta signaling in normal fibroblasts through selective interference with ALK-5-mediated Smad activation and Smad-dependent transcriptional responses. Therefore, SB431542 is useful as a novel experimental tool for gaining a detailed understanding of normal and aberrant TGFbeta signaling in SSc. Furthermore, as an anti-TGFbeta agent, SB431542 may represent a potential new approach to the treatment of fibrosis.