TNAP limits TGF-β-dependent cardiac and skeletal muscle fibrosis by inactivating SMAD2/3 transcription factors

Fibrosis is associated with almost all forms of chronic cardiac and skeletal muscle diseases. The accumulation of extracellular matrix impairs the contractility of muscle cells contributing to organ failure. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) plays a pivotal role in fibrosis, activating pro-fibrotic gene programs via phosphorylation of SMAD2/3 transcription factors. However, the mechanisms that control de-phosphorylation of SMAD2/3 have...