Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells
06:54

Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells

Published on: October 27, 2020

Targeting TGF-beta in prostate cancer: therapeutic possibilities during tumor progression

Elisabeth Jones1, Hong Pu, Natasha Kyprianou

  • 1University of Kentucky, Surgery/Urology and Markey Cancer Center, 306 Combs Building, 800 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.

Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets
|February 25, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) has a dual role in prostate cancer, acting as a tumor suppressor early on and a promoter in later stages. Therapeutic strategies must target its tumor-promoting functions in metastatic prostate cancer while preserving its beneficial effects.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Signaling Pathways

Background:

  • Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) typically inhibits prostate epithelial cell proliferation and induces apoptosis.
  • In metastatic prostate cancer, TGF-beta paradoxically promotes tumor growth by activating Smad-dependent and Smad-independent pathways.
  • Prostate cancer progression involves loss of TGF-beta receptors, increased TGF-beta production, leading to immunosuppression, matrix degradation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and angiogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting the TGF-beta signaling pathway in prostate cancer.
  • To address the dual role of TGF-beta as both a suppressor and promoter in prostate tumorigenesis.
  • To guide therapeutic strategies that inhibit TGF-beta's tumor-promoting effects in advanced stages while retaining its tumor-suppressive functions in early stages.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical studies on targeting the TGF-beta signaling pathway.
  • Analysis of therapeutic approaches including neutralizing antibodies, antisense oligonucleotides, and small molecule kinase inhibitors.
  • Focus on the contribution of TGF-beta signaling to prostate cancer initiation and metastasis.

Main Results:

  • Preclinical studies form the basis for understanding therapeutic targeting of TGF-beta in prostate cancer.
  • Various agents like antibodies and inhibitors are being investigated to modulate TGF-beta signaling.
  • The review synthesizes current knowledge on exploiting TGF-beta signaling for therapeutic benefit in prostate cancer.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting TGF-beta signaling presents a promising therapeutic avenue for prostate cancer.
  • Effective strategies must account for TGF-beta's complex, context-dependent roles in tumor progression.
  • Further research into modulating TGF-beta signaling is crucial for developing novel prostate cancer treatments.

More Related Videos

An Orthotopic Murine Model of Human Prostate Cancer Metastasis06:48

An Orthotopic Murine Model of Human Prostate Cancer Metastasis

Published on: September 18, 2013

Spheroid Assay to Measure TGF-β-induced Invasion09:18

Spheroid Assay to Measure TGF-β-induced Invasion

Published on: November 16, 2011

Related Concept Videos

TGF - β Signaling Pathway01:16

TGF - β Signaling Pathway

The TGF-β signaling pathway regulates cell growth, differentiation, adhesion, motility, and development. TGF-β ligands that induce TGF-β signaling are synthesized in their latent form. Several proteases or cell surface receptors such as integrins act upon the latent form, releasing the active ligand. There are three types of mammalian TGF-βs: (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3) that bind as homodimers or heterodimers to TGF-β receptors. The TGF-β receptors are of three kinds RI, RII, and RIII. The RI...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle02:38

Mitogens and the Cell Cycle

Mitogens and their receptors play a crucial role in controlling the progression of the cell cycle. However, the loss of mitogenic control over cell division leads to tumor formation. Therefore, mitogens and mitogen receptors play an important role in cancer research. For instance, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) - a type of mitogen and its transmembrane receptor (EGFR), decides the fate of the cell's proliferation. When EGF binds to EGFR, a member of the ErbB family of tyrosine kinase...