Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 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
Celastrol inhibits colorectal cancer through TGF-β1/Smad signaling
Zhitao Jiang1, Qianyu Cao2, Guoliang Dai3
1Department of Pharmacy Office, Zhangjiagang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhangjiagang, China.
Background:
There are few clinical challenges associated with the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). Studies have shown that TGF-β plays a crucial role in CRC. Importantly, celastrol, a major components of the root extract of the traditional Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, has been shown to inhibit the growth, adhesion, and metastasis of human CRC cells through the inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad signaling.
Materials And Methods:
Real-time PCR and Western blot tests were proceeded to present TGF-β1, TGF-β receptor type I (TGFβRI), TGF-β receptor type II (TGFβRII), Smad2/3, p-Smad2/3, Smad4, and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase expression in human colon cancer cell samples.
Results:
Our results indicated that celastrol can reduce the expression levels of TGF-β1, TGFβRI, and TGFβRII in HCT116 and SW620 cells. Furthermore, celastrol could also prevent the increase in Smad4 and p-Smad2/3 in HCT116 and SW620 cells.
Conclusion:
Celastrol could inhibit tumor growth through TGF-β1/Smad signaling and might be a promising therapeutic component against CRC.
Related Concept Videos
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
Feedback Inhibition
Enzyme Inhibition
Inhibition of Cdk Activity
Endocrine Signaling

