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Transforming Growth Factor Beta Family in the Pathogenesis of Meningiomas
1Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, New York, USA.
Background:
Meningiomas account for 36% of primary brain tumors. The pathogenesis of these tumors is not completely established, hindering development of effective chemotherapy. Numerous studies have identified alterations in several growth factors and receptor kinases that regulate meningioma growth. These may be targets for new therapies. One of these, sometimes overlooked, is the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) family of proteins. Its receptors and signaling pathways play a critical role in development or progression of many forms of neoplasia.
Methods:
Evidence suggesting a potential role for TGF-β, bone morphogenetic protein, and their mediators is reviewed.
Results:
TGF-β inhibition of growth in normal leptomeninges may be lost in neoplasia. Moreover, loss of TGF-β and bone morphogenetic protein signaling components and TGF-β type III receptor likely contribute to the development and/or progression of higher grade meningiomas.
Conclusions:
Accumulating evidence suggests that derangement of TGF-β family signaling contributes to development and progression of meningiomas. The TGF-β family may represent new targets for chemotherapy and could include inhibitors of kinases activated by TGF-β.
Insights
Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling is crucial in meningioma development. Targeting TGF-β pathways may offer new chemotherapy options for these brain tumors.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Molecular biology
- Cancer research
Background:
- Meningiomas constitute 36% of primary brain tumors.
- Their pathogenesis is not fully understood, limiting effective chemotherapy development.
- Growth factors and receptor kinases are implicated in meningioma growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence for the role of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) family in meningiomas.
- To explore TGF-β signaling as a potential therapeutic target.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on TGF-β, bone morphogenetic protein, and their mediators.
- Analysis of signaling pathways in meningioma development and progression.
Main Results:
- TGF-β's growth-inhibitory role in normal leptomeninges may be lost in meningiomas.
- Loss of TGF-β and bone morphogenetic protein signaling components contributes to higher-grade meningiomas.
- TGF-β type III receptor alterations are linked to meningioma progression.
Conclusions:
- Disruptions in TGF-β family signaling are implicated in meningioma development and progression.
- The TGF-β family presents potential new targets for meningioma chemotherapy.
- Inhibitors of TGF-β-activated kinases could be a therapeutic strategy.
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