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Updated: Apr 25, 2026
Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells
Published on: October 27, 2020
TGFβ: A player on multiple fronts in the tumor microenvironment
1Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Institute of Microbiology v.v.i. , AS CR, Prague , Czech Republic and.
Abstract:
The physiological functions of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β in cell signaling include regulation of developmental processes and cell growth. Tumor cells very often display altered regulation of the TGFβ signaling pathway, either by defects in TGFβ itself or in downstream components of the pathway. TGFβ can play a dual role in tumorigenesis, i.e. it can be either tumor-suppressive or tumor-promoting. TGFβ suppresses the growth of tumor cells; however, in advanced tumors, it is associated with induction of progression, resulting in poor prognosis for patients. The TGFβ negative regulation of cytotoxic cell function, together with the promotion of T-regulatory cell maturation, impairs anti-tumor responses. Recent studies have elucidated new roles for TGFβ signaling in the tumor microenvironment. Abrogation of proper signaling induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition with pro-metastatic functions, resulting in cancer progression. Thus, TGFβ signaling in the tumor microenvironment plays an important role in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis by its capacity to regulate cross-talk between tumor cells and other components of the local environment.
Insights
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling impacts cell growth and development. In cancer, TGF-β has a dual role, suppressing early tumors but promoting advanced cancer progression and metastasis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is crucial for cell signaling, regulating development and growth.
- Altered TGF-β pathway regulation is common in tumors, with TGF-β exhibiting dual roles in tumorigenesis.
- TGF-β can suppress tumor cell growth but promote progression in advanced cancers, leading to poor patient prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the multifaceted roles of TGF-β signaling in the tumor microenvironment.
- To understand how TGF-β signaling influences tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis.
- To investigate the impact of TGF-β on anti-tumor immune responses.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent studies on TGF-β signaling in cancer.
- Analysis of TGF-β's effects on cell growth, immune function, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.
- Examination of TGF-β's role in the tumor microenvironment and patient prognosis.
Main Results:
- TGF-β signaling can be tumor-suppressive in early stages but tumor-promoting in advanced cancers.
- TGF-β impairs anti-tumor immunity by inhibiting cytotoxic cells and promoting regulatory T-cells.
- Dysregulated TGF-β signaling induces epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, driving cancer progression and metastasis.
Conclusions:
- TGF-β signaling is a critical regulator of tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis.
- Targeting TGF-β signaling in the tumor microenvironment may offer therapeutic strategies.
- Understanding TGF-β's complex roles is essential for developing effective cancer treatments.
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