GW 788388 is a selective inhibitor of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) type 1 receptor (TGFBR1 or ALK5; IC50 = 18 nM). It inhibits the expression of collagen type I in cells (IC50 = 93 nM) and in mice when given orally at 10 mg/kg once a day. As TGF-β stimulates fibrosis in a range of tissues, GW 788388 reduces typical features of fibrosis, including tissue remodeling, increased expression of α-smooth muscle actin and production of collagen I. GW 788388 also blocks TGF-β-mediated production of VEGF by fibroblasts, as well as subsequent angiogenesis in vitro. Inhibition of ALK5 signaling by GW 788388 also induces hypertrophy in femoral growth plates in rats.
Gellibert et al. (2006), Discovery of 4-{4-[3-(pyridine-2-yl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl}pyridine-2-yl}-N-(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl)benzamide (GW788388): a potent, selective, and orally active transforming growth factor-beta type I receptor inhibitor; J. Med. Chem. 49 2210
Petersen et al. (2008), Oral administration of GW788388, an inhibitor of TGF-beta type I and II receptor kinases, decreases renal fibrosis; Kidney Int. 73 705
De Oliveira et al. (2012), Oral administration of GW788388, an inhibitor of transforming growth factor beta signaling, prevents heart fibrosis in Chagas disease; PLoS Negl. Trop. Dis. 6 e1696
Noma et al. (2008), The essential role of fibroblasts in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma-induced angiogenesis; Gastroenterology. 134 1981
Lho et al. (2021), Effects of TGF-? Receptor Inhibitor GW788388 on the Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition of Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells; Int. J. Mol. Sci. 22 4739
