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Updated: Oct 22, 2025

Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells
06:54

Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells

Published on: October 27, 2020

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The Multifaceted Role of TGF-β in Gastrointestinal Tumors

Fabio Sabbadini1, Monica Bertolini1, Serena De Matteis1,2

  • 1Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy.

Cancers
|August 27, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a cytokine crucial in cancer. While initially a tumor suppressor, it promotes advanced cancer by altering the tumor microenvironment, especially in gastrointestinal tumors.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cell Signaling
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a cytokine with a dual role in cancer, acting as a tumor suppressor early on but promoting progression later.
  • TGF-β signaling involves serine/threonine kinase receptors and SMAD effectors, influencing cellular processes.
  • Its role in modulating the tumor microenvironment, including extracellular matrix modification and paracrine signaling, is critical in advanced cancer stages.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted role of TGF-β in pathological processes.
  • To emphasize the specific involvement of TGF-β in the development and progression of gastrointestinal tumors.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on TGF-β signaling pathways.
  • Analysis of TGF-β's impact on tumor microenvironment and cellular interactions.
  • Emphasis on studies related to gastrointestinal cancer.

Main Results:

  • TGF-β transitions from a tumor suppressor to a tumor promoter in advanced cancer.
  • TGF-β significantly influences the tumor microenvironment through matrix remodeling and paracrine signaling.
  • Targeting the TGF-β pathway is a key strategy in current cancer therapy development.

Conclusions:

  • TGF-β plays a critical and complex role in cancer progression, particularly in gastrointestinal malignancies.
  • Understanding TGF-β's mechanisms is vital for developing effective cancer treatments.
  • Ongoing clinical development of TGF-β pathway inhibitors shows promise for various diseases.
Keywords:
EMTTGF-βgastrointestinal tumorsimmune plasticitytargeted therapy

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