[Transforming growth factor beta-1: structure, function, and regulation mechanisms in cancer]

Transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta 1) is produced by several cell lineages such as lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells, and its expression serves in both autocrine and paracrine modes to control the differentiation, proliferation, and state of activation of these and other cells. In general, TGF-beta 1 has pleiotropic properties on the immune response during the development of infection diseases and cancer; however, the mechanisms of action and regulation of gene expression of this cytokine are poorly understood, in this review, the biological properties and the molecular mechanisms that regulate TGF-beta 1 gene expression are described, to understand the role of this cytokine in growth and cell differentiation. The knowledge of molecular mechanisms of gene expression of TGF-beta 1 may serve to develop new cancer therapies. The English version of this paper is available at: http://www.insp.mx/salud/index.html