The TGFβ superfamily in stem cell biology and early mammalian embryonic development

Background: Members of the Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGFβ) superfamily of cytokines are essential for early embryonic development and play crucial roles in pluripotency and differentiation of embryonic stem cells in vitro.

Scope of review: In this review, we discuss how TGFβ family signals are read by cells and how they are modulated by the cellular context. Furthermore, we review recent advances in our understanding of TGFβ function in embryonic stem cells and point out hot topics at the intersection of TGFβ signaling and stem cell biology fields.

Major conclusion: TGFβ family signals are essential for early mammalian development and the importance of this pathway is reflected in pluripotent stem cells derived from the mammalian embryo.

General significance: Understanding signaling pathways underlying pluripotency and cell fate specification holds promises for the advent of personalized regenerative medicine. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Biochemistry of Stem Cells.