TGF-β functions through binding to specific receptors on the cell surface, primarily TGF-β receptor type I (TGFBR1) and TGF-β receptor type II (TGFBR2). Upon ligand binding, these receptors form a complex that initiates intracellular signaling via the Smad proteins. This signaling cascade can lead to changes in gene expression that affect cellular activities such as proliferation, differentiation, and extracellular matrix production.
