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Schematic of TGF-β/Smad3-initiated inhibition of SMC apoptosis through a VEGF pathway. TGF-β activates the TGF-β receptor that in turn activates Smad3. Phospho-Smad3 translocates into the nucleus, and by interacting with HIF-1α upregulates the gene expression of VEGF-A. Secreted VEGF-A binds to its receptor, FLT-1, and activates the VEGF-FLT-1 pathway, thus inhibiting SMC apoptosis
