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Updated: Mar 11, 2026
Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells
Published on: October 27, 2020
Dichotomous roles of TGF-β in human cancer
Jennifer J Huang1, Gerard C Blobe1,2
1Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
Abstract:
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) mediates numerous biological processes, including embryonic development and the maintenance of cellular homeostasis in a context-dependent manner. Consistent with its central role in maintaining cellular homeostasis, inhibition of TGF-β signaling results in disruption of normal homeostatic processes and subsequent carcinogenesis, defining the TGF-β signaling pathway as a tumor suppressor. However, once carcinogenesis is initiated, the TGF-β signaling pathway promotes cancer progression. This dichotomous function of the TGF-β signaling pathway is mediated through altering effects on both the cancer cells, by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting proliferation, and the tumor microenvironment, by promoting angiogenesis and inhibiting immunosurveillance. Current studies support inhibition of TGF-β signaling either alone, or in conjunction with anti-angiogenic therapy or immunotherapy as a promising strategy for the treatment of human cancers.
Insights
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) acts as a tumor suppressor early in cancer but promotes tumor growth later. Inhibiting TGF-β signaling is a promising cancer treatment strategy.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is crucial for cellular homeostasis and development.
- TGF-β signaling acts as a tumor suppressor in early carcinogenesis.
- Conversely, TGF-β promotes cancer progression after initiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the dichotomous role of TGF-β signaling in cancer.
- To explore TGF-β's impact on cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment.
- To evaluate TGF-β inhibition as a cancer therapy strategy.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on TGF-β signaling in cancer.
- Analysis of TGF-β's effects on cancer cell apoptosis and proliferation.
- Investigation of TGF-β's influence on angiogenesis and immunosurveillance.
Main Results:
- TGF-β inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in early cancer.
- Activated TGF-β signaling promotes angiogenesis and suppresses immune response in established tumors.
- TGF-β signaling has dual effects on cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment.
Conclusions:
- TGF-β signaling exhibits context-dependent tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting functions.
- Inhibiting TGF-β signaling, alone or with other therapies, is a viable strategy for human cancer treatment.
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