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Expression of transforming growth factor beta in renal cell carcinoma and matched non-involved renal tissue
Dionisios Mitropoulos1, Aspasia Kiroudi, Evangelia Christelli
1Department of Urology, University of Athens Medical School, 75 Mikras Asias St., 115-27 Athens, Greece. dmp@otenet.gr
Abstract:
TGFbeta1 is one of several cytokines produced by proximal tubular and renal cancer cells. Previous studies have been mainly focused on determining plasma or serum TGFbeta levels, its effect on RCC cultures, and the expression of TGFbeta mRNA. Cancerous and autologous normal kidney samples were obtained from 24 patients treated by radical nephrectomy. TGFbeta1 expression was determined using a semi quantitative Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Blot densities and immunohistochemical expression intensities in normal and neoplastic tissue were compared, and subsequently correlated to tumor stage, histological type and nuclear grade. All tissue samples examined expressed TGFbeta1; mean tumor to non-involved kidney spot density ratio correlated with advancing stage and higher nuclear grade. The overexpression of TGFbeta1 in certain RCCs may partially explain their resistance to the growth suppression action of TGFbeta. The correlation with tumor stage and grade indicates a possible role in the development of metastatic potential as well as in host's immune response modulation.
Insights
Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFbeta1) is overexpressed in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and correlates with advanced tumor stage and grade. This suggests a role for TGFbeta1 in RCC progression and immune modulation.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFbeta1) is a cytokine implicated in kidney function and cancer.
- Previous research focused on plasma/serum levels, cell culture effects, and mRNA expression of TGFbeta1 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate TGFbeta1 protein expression in cancerous and normal kidney tissues from RCC patients.
- To correlate TGFbeta1 expression levels with clinicopathological parameters such as tumor stage, histological type, and nuclear grade.
Main Methods:
- Tissue samples from 24 radical nephrectomy patients were analyzed.
- Semi-quantitative Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry were used to determine TGFbeta1 expression.
- Expression levels in tumor versus normal tissue were compared and correlated with clinical data.
Main Results:
- All examined tissue samples expressed TGFbeta1.
- Higher TGFbeta1 expression in tumors correlated with advancing tumor stage and higher nuclear grade.
- Overexpression in some RCCs may contribute to resistance to TGFbeta's growth-suppressive effects.
Conclusions:
- TGFbeta1 protein is expressed in RCC tissues, with levels increasing with tumor stage and grade.
- TGFbeta1 overexpression may play a role in RCC progression, metastatic potential, and immune response modulation.
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