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TGF-beta signaling in tumor suppression and cancer progression

R Derynck1, R J Akhurst, A Balmain

  • 1Department of Growth and Development, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA. derynck@itsa.ucsf.edu

Nature Genetics
|October 5, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) signaling impacts cell growth, acting as both a tumor suppressor and promoter. This review reconciles its dual role in cancer development and progression.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • High-turnover cells like epithelial and hematopoietic cells are susceptible to genetic and epigenetic changes driving tumorigenesis.
  • Cellular behavior changes stem from genetic alterations and modified responses to growth factors.
  • Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) signaling is crucial in carcinoma cell behavior and tumor microenvironment interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the multifaceted role of TGF-beta in tumor development.
  • To reconcile the seemingly contradictory functions of TGF-beta in carcinogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and analysis of existing research on TGF-beta signaling in cancer.
  • Evaluation of studies examining both tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting effects of TGF-beta.

Main Results:

  • TGF-beta exhibits dual roles, acting as both a tumor suppressor and a promoter of tumor progression and invasion.
  • Autocrine and paracrine TGF-beta signaling influences tumor cells and the microenvironment, impacting cancer development.
  • The TGF-beta pathway's complex effects depend on cellular context and cancer type.

Conclusions:

  • TGF-beta signaling is a critical determinant in cancer, with context-dependent roles.
  • Understanding the dual nature of TGF-beta is essential for developing targeted cancer therapies.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate and reconcile the opposing roles of TGF-beta in different stages of carcinogenesis.

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