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Updated: May 15, 2026

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

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Transforming growth factor β repressor, SnoN, is overexpressed in human gastrointestinal stromal tumors

V Bravou1, P Papanastasopoulos, D Verras

  • 1Department of Pathology, General Hospital of Patras, Agios Andreas, Patras, Greece. vibra@upatras.gr

Journal of B.U.ON. : Official Journal of the Balkan Union of Oncology
|January 22, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/Smad pathway is involved in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). SnoN overexpression and reduced p21/p27 expression may play a role in GIST development.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/Smad pathway is crucial for interstitial cells of Cajal development.
  • Understanding this pathway's role in human gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the involvement of the TGF-β/Smad pathway in the pathogenesis of human GISTs.
  • To correlate pathway component expression with GIST prognostic factors.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the expression of TGF-β receptor II (TβRII), phosphorylated Smad2 (p-Smad2), SnoN, p21(WAF1/CIP1), and p27(KIP1).
  • Analysis was performed on 30 human GIST samples.

Main Results:

  • TβRII expression was observed in 76.9% of GISTs.
  • All GISTs showed positive expression for p-Smad2 and SnoN, with higher levels in small intestinal GISTs compared to gastric ones.
  • Downregulation of p21(WAF1/CIP1) and p27(KIP1) was noted in 78.6% and 46.4% of cases, respectively, with 50% exhibiting cytoplasmic p27(KIP1).

Conclusions:

  • The TGF-β/Smad pathway may contribute to GIST pathogenesis.
  • SnoN overexpression and decreased p21(WAF1/CIP1) and p27(KIP1) levels are potentially significant in GISTs.

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