Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 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

The Role of TGFβ Signaling in Squamous Cell Cancer: Lessons from Mouse Models

Adam B Glick1

  • 1Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.

Journal of Skin Cancer
|January 18, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) signaling is crucial for skin health but becomes dysregulated in skin cancer. Understanding its dual role in carcinogenesis is key for developing targeted therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Dermatology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) is a cytokine with critical roles in skin homeostasis, including epidermal stem cell regulation, extracellular matrix production, and inflammation.
  • TGFβ1 signaling is tightly controlled in healthy tissues but frequently dysregulated during the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and other cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the alterations in TGFβ1 signaling observed in human SCC, particularly head and neck SCC (HNSCC) and cutaneous SCC.
  • To examine the utility of mouse models in dissecting the role of TGFβ1 signaling in skin cancer pathogenesis.
  • To elucidate the dual functions of TGFβ1 in carcinogenesis to inform potential targeted therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on TGFβ1 signaling in human SCC (HNSCC and cutaneous SCC).
  • Analysis of data from various mouse models of skin carcinogenesis, including transgenic and null mice.
  • Investigation of the effects of small molecule inhibitors targeting the TGFβ1 pathway on cancer development.

Main Results:

  • TGFβ1 signaling is deregulated in human SCC, indicating its involvement in cancer development.
  • Mouse models provide valuable insights into the complex, context-dependent roles of TGFβ1 in skin carcinogenesis.
  • The dual nature of TGFβ1 action (both tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressive) is evident across different stages of cancer development.

Conclusions:

  • Dysregulated TGFβ1 signaling is a hallmark of SCC, highlighting its significance in cancer pathogenesis.
  • Understanding the multifaceted roles of TGFβ1 in carcinogenesis is essential for its effective therapeutic targeting.
  • Further research into the mechanisms of TGFβ1 action could lead to novel treatment strategies for SCC.

More Related Videos

Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment07:29

Intramucosal Inoculation of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells in Mice for Tumor Immune Profiling and Treatment Response Assessment

Published on: April 22, 2019

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

Mouse Models of Cancer Study02:43

Mouse Models of Cancer Study

Mice have long served as models for studying human biology and pathology because of their phylogenetic and physiological similarity with humans. They are also easy to maintain and breed in the laboratory, and hence, many inbred strains are now available for research. Studies on mice have contributed immeasurably to our understanding of cancer biology.
The development of transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice has led to an exponential increase in their use as model organisms in research,...
Mouse Models of Cancer Study02:43

Mouse Models of Cancer Study

Mice have long served as models for studying human biology and pathology because of their phylogenetic and physiological similarity with humans. They are also easy to maintain and breed in the laboratory, and hence, many inbred strains are now available for research. Studies on mice have contributed immeasurably to our understanding of cancer biology.
The development of transgenic, knockout, and knock-in mice has led to an exponential increase in their use as model organisms in research,...
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...