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Updated: Mar 30, 2026

Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells
Published on: October 27, 2020
Crosstalk between transforming growth factor-β signaling pathway and long non-coding RNAs in cancer
Jianbo Wang1, Na Shao2, Xiaowen Ding3
1Department of Radiation, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
Abstract:
The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway plays an important role in tumorigenesis by exerting either a tumor-suppressing or tumor-promoting effect. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a newly discovered class of non-coding RNAs, have been widely studied in recent years and identified as crucial regulators of various biological processes, including cell cycle progression, chromatin remodeling, gene transcription, and posttranscriptional processing. Recent evidence, addressing the crosstalk between the TGF-β signaling pathway and lncRNAs in cancer, found that several members of the TGF-β pathway are targeted by lncRNAs, and the production of hundreds of lncRNAs is induced by TGF-β treatment. This review will summarize the latest progress on the investigation of TGF-β pathway and lncRNA network in regulating cancer development. Further study on the network would provide a better understanding of carcinogenesis and have potentials for the prevention and treatment of malignant diseases.
Insights
The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) pathway and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) interact in cancer. Understanding this network is key for developing new cancer prevention and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway is implicated in cancer development, acting as either a tumor suppressor or promoter.
- Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are critical regulators of cellular processes and have emerged as key players in various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the intricate network between the TGF-β signaling pathway and lncRNAs in the context of cancer.
- To summarize recent advancements in understanding how this crosstalk influences tumorigenesis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies focusing on the TGF-β pathway and lncRNAs in cancer.
- Analysis of identified interactions where lncRNAs target TGF-β pathway members.
- Examination of studies showing TGF-β-induced lncRNA production.
Main Results:
- Evidence indicates a significant crosstalk between the TGF-β pathway and lncRNAs in cancer.
- Several TGF-β pathway components are directly targeted by lncRNAs.
- TGF-β signaling can induce the expression of numerous lncRNAs, suggesting a feedback mechanism.
Conclusions:
- The TGF-β pathway and lncRNA network plays a crucial role in regulating cancer development.
- Further investigation of this network holds potential for novel strategies in cancer prevention and treatment.
- A deeper understanding of this molecular interplay is essential for advancing oncology therapeutics.
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