Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) is a potent growth inhibitor and inducer of apoptosis in
B lymphocytes and is essential for immune regulation and maintenance of self-tolerance.
Here we show that exogenous overexpression of Smad3 potentiates TGFβ-induced
apoptosis and expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bim in WEHI 231 B lymphocytes.
Overexpression of dominant-negative forms of Smad3 abrogate these TGFβ-induced
responses. We also demonstrate that TGFβ induces Bim protein expression concomitant …