School of Life Sciences, Yunnan Normal University, Kunming-650500, China,
Since the 1970s, research on the TGF-β gene family has commenced. The history of TGF-β research represents a scientific exploration that spans several decades, beginning with the initial discovery of growth factors and evolving into a significant target for drug development. The study of TGF-β has permeated various fields, including cell biology, developmental biology, pathology, and clinical treatment. Investigating the TGF-β family is not only essential for understanding its role in physiological and pathological processes but also holds great significance for the development of new therapeutic approaches. This article provides a comprehensive review of the research history, molecular composition of signaling pathways, and biological functions of the TGF-β gene family.