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Updated: Jun 14, 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

ErbB/EGF signaling and EMT in mammary development and breast cancer

Katharine M Hardy1, Brian W Booth, Mary J C Hendrix

  • 1Children's Memorial Research Center, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 2300 Children's Plaza, Chicago, IL 60614, USA.

Journal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia
|April 7, 2010
PubMed

Insights

ErbB signaling pathways drive breast cancer growth and metastasis by promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Understanding ErbB

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • ErbB receptor tyrosine kinases and Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)-like ligands are crucial in breast cancer proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
  • ErbB signaling pathways are implicated in regulating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process linked to aggressive, therapy-resistant breast cancers.
  • Current therapies targeting ErbB receptors show partial efficacy in treating heterogeneous breast cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of ErbB signaling in epithelial cell plasticity during mammary gland development and tumorigenesis, focusing on EMT.
  • To explore how ErbB-mediated EMT influences breast cancer progression and metastasis.
  • To discuss the potential of this knowledge in improving therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current scientific information on ErbB signaling, EMT, and breast cancer.
  • Analysis of the interplay between ErbB pathways and EMT in normal mammary gland development and cancer.
  • Synthesis of findings to inform potential therapeutic advancements.

Main Results:

  • ErbB signaling activation is a key driver of EMT, enhancing tumor cell migration, invasion, and metastasis.
  • EMT-associated breast cancers exhibit increased aggressiveness and therapeutic resistance.
  • ErbB signaling influences EMT at various stages of mammary gland development and in tumorigenesis.

Conclusions:

  • ErbB signaling plays a critical role in regulating EMT, impacting breast cancer progression and treatment outcomes.
  • Targeting ErbB-mediated EMT pathways may offer novel therapeutic avenues for aggressive and resistant breast cancers.
  • Further research into ErbB-EMT interactions is essential for developing more effective breast cancer therapies.

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