Transforming growth factor (TGF) β₁ and Smad signalling pathways: A likely key to <scp>EMT</scp>‐associated <scp>COPD</scp> pathogenesis

Abstract

Activation of the Smad pathway in the airways is linked to EMT activity and loss of lung function. The disconnection between TGF-β1 and pSmad in terms of relationships to EMT activity and lung function suggests that factors other than or in addition to TGF-β1 are driving the process.