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Updated: May 7, 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

[TGF-β signaling pathways in cancers]

Beata Talar1, Małgorzata Czyż

  • 1Zakład Biologii Molekularnej Nowotworów, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Łodzi.

Postepy Higieny I Medycyny Doswiadczalnej (Online)
|October 4, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) has dual roles in cancer, acting as a tumor suppressor early on and a promoter later. Its complex signaling influences tumor growth, metastasis, and stem cell properties.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Signaling

Background:

  • Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a key cytokine regulating cell growth, differentiation, and tissue homeostasis.
  • TGF-β signaling pathways are implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, notably cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the dual role of TGF-β signaling in cancer development and progression.
  • To understand how TGF-β influences distinct stages of tumorigenesis and interacts with other signaling pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Review and analysis of existing literature on TGF-β signaling in cancer.
  • Examination of TGF-β's effects at different cancer stages and its interactions with various molecular pathways.

Main Results:

  • Early-stage TGF-β signaling exhibits tumor-suppressive functions, inhibiting proliferation and promoting differentiation.
  • Late-stage TGF-β signaling promotes tumor metastasis via epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and immune suppression.
  • TGF-β pathways are crucial for maintaining cancer stem cell properties and interact with pathways like WNT, Hedgehog, and PI3K-AKT.

Conclusions:

  • TGF-β possesses pleiotropic effects in tumorigenesis, acting as both a suppressor and promoter depending on cancer type and stage.
  • Understanding TGF-β's complex signaling network is critical for developing targeted cancer therapies.

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