Biochem J. 2010 Sep 1;430(2):191-8.
Ting Liu* , Xin-Hua Feng*
Abstract
Tight regulation of TGF-β (transforming growth factor-β)superfamily signalling is important for normal cellular functions and tissue homoeostasis. Since TGF-β superfamily signalling pathways are activated by a short phosphorylation cascade, from receptor phosphorylation to subsequent phosphorylation and activation of downstream signal transducer R-Smads (receptor-activated Smads), reversible phosphorylation serves as a critical step to assure proper TGF-β signalling. The present article will review the current progress on the understanding of dynamic phosphorylation in TGF-β signalling and the essential role of protein phosphatases in this process.