Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 5, 2026

Transfer of Manipulated Tumor-associated Neutrophils into Tumor-Bearing Mice to Study their Angiogenic Potential In Vivo
Published on: July 20, 2019
The Roles of TIF1γ in Cancer
Chengpeng Yu1, Zeyang Ding1, Huifang Liang1
1Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Abstract:
Transcriptional intermediary factor 1 γ (TIF1γ), also known as TRIM33, RFG7, PTC7, or Ectodermin, is an E3 ubiquitin-ligase family member with a ring-box-coiled-coil region. It can regulate TGF-β/Smad signaling in two different ways in different cellular contexts. On one hand, TIF1γ can monoubiquitinate Smad4 to inhibit the formation of Smad2/3/4 nuclear complexes. On the other hand, TIF1γ can function as a cofactor of phosphorylated (p)-Smad2/3, competing with Smad4 to inhibit the formation of the Smad2/3/4 complex. In addition, TIF1γ has been reported to play a role in transcription elongation, cellular differentiation, embryonic development, and mitosis. As transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily signaling plays an important role in the occurrence and development of cancer, and TIF1γ was reported to be involved in the regulation of TGF-β superfamily signaling, studies on TIF1γ during the last decade have focused on its role in the development of cancer. However, TIF1γ can function either as a tumor suppressor or promoter in different cellular contexts, yet there are few reviews focusing on the roles of TIF1γ in cancer. Hence, in this paper we systematically review and discuss the roles of TIF1γ in cancer. Firstly, we review the biological features, the regulatory mechanisms and the related signaling pathways of TIF1γ. Next, we illustrate the roles of TIF1γ in different tumors. We then provide a tentative hypothesis that explains the dual roles of TIF1 γ in cancer. Finally, we provide our viewpoint regarding the future developments of cancer research focusing on TIF1γ, especially in relation to the effects of TIF1γ on tumoral immunity.
Insights
Transcriptional intermediary factor 1 γ (TIF1γ) regulates TGF-β/Smad signaling and impacts cancer development. This review explores TIF1γ
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Biology
- Signal Transduction
Background:
- Transcriptional intermediary factor 1 γ (TIF1γ), also known as TRIM33, is an E3 ubiquitin ligase involved in TGF-β/Smad signaling.
- TIF1γ's role in cancer is complex, acting as both a tumor suppressor and promoter depending on the cellular context.
- Previous research has primarily focused on TIF1γ's involvement in cancer development, with limited reviews synthesizing its multifaceted roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and discuss the diverse roles of TIF1γ in cancer.
- To elucidate the biological features, regulatory mechanisms, and signaling pathways associated with TIF1γ.
- To propose a hypothesis explaining the dual functions of TIF1γ in oncogenesis and discuss future research directions, including its impact on tumoral immunity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on TIF1γ.
- Analysis of TIF1γ's involvement in various signaling pathways, including TGF-β/Smad.
- Examination of TIF1γ's function in different cancer types and its implications for tumor progression.
Main Results:
- TIF1γ modulates TGF-β/Smad signaling through distinct mechanisms, influencing Smad complex formation.
- TIF1γ exhibits context-dependent roles in cancer, acting as either a tumor suppressor or promoter.
- The review details TIF1γ's involvement in transcription, differentiation, development, and mitosis, all relevant to cancer.
Conclusions:
- TIF1γ is a critical regulator with dual roles in cancer, necessitating further investigation into its precise mechanisms.
- Understanding TIF1γ's context-specific functions is crucial for developing targeted cancer therapies.
- Future research should explore TIF1γ's influence on tumoral immunity to fully grasp its impact on cancer.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
The Retinoblastoma Gene
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...

