Inhibition of activin receptor-like kinase 5 induces matrix metallopeptidase 9 expression and aggravates lipopolysaccharide-induced pulmonary injury in mice.

BACKGROUND: TGF- β (Trans - forming Growth Factor- β) mediates its biological effects through members of activin receptor-like kinase (ALK) family and TGF- β/Smad3 signaling link inflammation to pulmonary fibrosis.