Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 31, 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

EGF and TGF-β1 Effects on Thyroid Function

Gabriella Mincione1, Maria Carmela Di Marcantonio, Chiara Tarantelli

  • 1Department of Oncology and Experimental Medicine, University "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, 66013 Chieti, Italy.

Journal of Thyroid Research
|July 16, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) inhibits normal thyroid cells but not cancer cells, suggesting altered signaling in thyroid tumors. Its dual role as tumor suppressor or promoter depends on cancer stage and interactions with EGF-like ligands.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Normal thyroid epithelial cells exhibit growth inhibition by TGF-β1.
  • Thyroid cancer cell lines often display resistance to TGF-β1's inhibitory effects.
  • Loss of TGF-β responsiveness in thyroid neoplasia can stem from reduced TGF-β receptor expression or pathway alterations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the roles of TGF-β1 and EGF systems in thyroid tumors.
  • To explore the cross-talk between TGF-β1 and EGF signaling pathways in thyroid cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of TGF-β1 and EGF systems in thyroid tumor samples.
  • Investigation of signaling pathway interactions in thyroid cancer models.

Main Results:

  • Thyroid cancer cells frequently exhibit resistance to TGF-β1.
  • TGF-β1 demonstrates a context-dependent function, acting as a tumor suppressor early on and a promoter in advanced stages.
  • Evidence suggests significant cross-talk between TGF-β1 and EGF-like ligand pathways in thyroid cancer.

Conclusions:

  • Altered TGF-β1 signaling and its interaction with EGF pathways are implicated in thyroid tumorigenesis and progression.
  • Understanding these complex interactions is crucial for targeted thyroid cancer therapies.

More Related Videos

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model04:39

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model

Published on: March 17, 2023

In vivo Characterization of Endocrine Disrupting Chemical Effects via Thyroid Hormone Action Indicator Mouse04:14

In vivo Characterization of Endocrine Disrupting Chemical Effects via Thyroid Hormone Action Indicator Mouse

Published on: October 6, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Functions of Thyroid Hormones01:18

Functions of Thyroid Hormones

The thyroid hormone (TH) plays a pivotal role in the intricate orchestration of physiological processes, exerting profound effects on development, metabolism, and homeostasis throughout different life stages.
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...
Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones01:20

Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones

Low blood levels of the thyroid hormones — triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) — signal the hypothalamus to release the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH then reaches the pituitary gland and stimulates the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH) into the bloodstream.
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...
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...
Hormones and Bone Tissue01:17

Hormones and Bone Tissue

The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is formed, and remodel it.
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology01:27

Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...
The Thyroid Gland01:23

The Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck and covers the anterior surface of the trachea. The gland has two lateral lobes connected by a thin tissue mass called the isthmus. Internally, each lobe comprises many small spherical structures known as thyroid follicles, surrounded by a network of blood vessels.
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...