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Updated: May 22, 2026

Induction and Analysis of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition
10:37

Induction and Analysis of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition

Published on: August 27, 2013

Induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition by transforming growth factor β

Aristidis Moustakas1, Carl-Henrik Heldin

  • 1Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden. aris.moustakas@licr.uu.se

Seminars in Cancer Biology
|May 3, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) has dual roles in cancer, suppressing tumors initially but promoting metastasis later. It drives epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), aiding tumor cell invasion and angiogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling is crucial in human cancers.
  • Tumors can evade TGFβ's tumor suppressor functions through mutations in signaling pathways.
  • High TGFβ levels from tumor and stromal cells promote tumor progression and metastasis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the multifaceted roles of TGFβ in cancer progression.
  • To understand how TGFβ signaling contributes to tumor cell invasiveness and angiogenesis.
  • To explore the mechanisms by which TGFβ induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of TGFβ signaling pathways in malignancy.
  • Investigation of TGFβ-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) mechanisms.
  • Examination of epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional regulation in EMT.

Main Results:

  • TGFβ exhibits both tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting effects, ultimately supporting metastasis.
  • TGFβ promotes tumor cell invasiveness, angiogenesis, and immune suppression.
  • TGFβ signaling activates transcription factors, leading to cellular reprogramming and EMT.

Conclusions:

  • TGFβ plays a complex, context-dependent role in cancer, promoting metastasis via EMT.
  • EMT reprogramming involves epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional modifications.
  • Understanding TGFβ's dual role is critical for developing effective cancer therapies.

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