TGF-beta, or Transforming Growth Factor-beta, is a protein that plays a crucial role in regulating various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, and immune responses. It is involved in wound healing and tissue repair, helping to control inflammation and promote the formation of new tissue. This protein exists in several forms and can have different effects depending on the type of cell it interacts with. TGF-beta is also significant in the development of certain diseases, including cancer and fibrosis, where its signaling pathways can become dysregulated, leading to abnormal cell behavior.