Integral Roles of the TGFβ Signaling Pathway in Uterine Function and Disease

Endocrinology. 2025 Feb 5;166(3):bqaf032. doi: 10.1210/endocr/bqaf032.

Abstract

The uterus is a complex organ that requires precise signaling networks to mediate functions necessary for homeostasis and reproductive processes. The transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily regulates integral signaling pathways throughout many physiological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and development. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of how the TGFβ signaling family controls key uterine functions, with a specific focus on the endometrium. These uterine functions include endometrial receptivity, implantation, decidualization, placentation, remodeling, and regeneration. Improving our understanding of the signaling networks that regulate these processes is integral to identifying, diagnosing, and treating uterine and reproductive diseases such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, recurrent pregnancy loss, and recurrent implantation failure.

Keywords: TGFβ signaling; endometriosis; endometrium; uterine disease; uterus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Embryo Implantation / physiology
  • Endometrium / metabolism
  • Endometrium / physiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Signal Transduction* / physiology
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta* / metabolism
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta* / physiology
  • Uterine Diseases* / metabolism
  • Uterine Diseases* / physiopathology
  • Uterus* / metabolism
  • Uterus* / physiology

Substances

  • Transforming Growth Factor beta