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Updated: Jan 21, 2026

Molecular Analysis of Endothelial-mesenchymal Transition Induced by Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling
07:49

Molecular Analysis of Endothelial-mesenchymal Transition Induced by Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling

Published on: August 3, 2018

11.7K

Transforming growth factor β signaling pathway: A promising therapeutic target for cancer

Yuhong Chen1,2,3,4, Cuixia Di1,2,3,4, Xuetian Zhang1,2,3,4

  • 1Department of Radiation Medicine, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.

Journal of Cellular Physiology
|July 24, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) has a dual role in cancer, initially suppressing tumors but later promoting invasion and metastasis. Inhibitors targeting TGF-β signaling offer new antitumor strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is a key regulator of cellular processes.
  • TGF-β signaling is implicated in various physiological functions and carcinogenesis.
  • The canonical Smads signaling pathway mediates TGF-β's cellular effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the structure, function, and signaling pathways of TGF-β.
  • To elucidate the dual role of TGF-β in tumor suppression and progression.
  • To discuss emerging TGF-β inhibitors for cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of TGF-β structure and function.
  • Analysis of TGF-β's role in early and advanced tumor stages.
  • Overview of preclinical and clinical studies on TGF-β inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • TGF-β acts as a tumor suppressor in early stages by inhibiting proliferation and promoting apoptosis.
  • In advanced cancers, TGF-β signaling drives invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and immune escape.
  • Various inhibitors, including antibodies, antisense molecules, and small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors, are under investigation.

Conclusions:

  • TGF-β plays a critical, context-dependent role in tumor development.
  • Targeting TGF-β synthesis and signaling pathways presents promising avenues for novel cancer therapies.
  • Further research into TGF-β inhibitors could lead to improved antitumor strategies.
Keywords:
TGF-βclinical applicationdruginhibitorstumor

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