TGF-β2 is a secreted protein known as a cytokine that performs many cellular functions and has a vital role during embryonic development. TGF-β2 signaling begins with binding to a complex of the accessory receptor betaglycan and a type II ser/thr kinase receptor termed TGF-beta RII. This receptor then phosphorylates and activates another ser/thr kinase receptor, TGF-beta RI, or alternatively, ALK-1. The whole complex phosphorylates and activates Smad proteins that regulate transcription (3, 11, 12). Use of other signaling pathways that are Smad-independent allows for disparate actions observed in response to TGF-beta in different contexts.