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Updated: Sep 26, 2025

Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells
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Targeting TGF-β signal transduction for fibrosis and cancer therapy

Dandan Peng1, Minyang Fu1, Manni Wang1

  • 1Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, PR, Sichuan, China.

Molecular Cancer
|April 24, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) plays a dual role in fibrosis and cancer. Targeting TGF-β signaling offers therapeutic potential, but challenges remain due to cytotoxicity concerns.

Area of Science:

  • Cell biology
  • Molecular biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is crucial for embryonic development, immune function, and tissue repair.
  • TGF-β exhibits complex, context-dependent roles in fibrosis and cancer, acting as both an inhibitor and promoter.
  • Overexpression of TGF-β under pathological conditions drives fibrosis and cancer progression via mechanisms like epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the biological functions of TGF-β.
  • To elucidate the dual role of TGF-β in fibrosis and tumorigenesis.
  • To discuss the clinical applications and challenges of TGF-β-targeting therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of TGF-β's biological processes.
  • Analysis of TGF-β's involvement in fibrotic and cancerous conditions.
  • Examination of clinical studies on TGF-β-targeted therapeutics.

Main Results:

  • TGF-β signaling is implicated in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, and cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) formation.
  • The therapeutic targeting of TGF-β signaling is a promising strategy for treating fibrosis and cancer.
  • Development of TGF-β therapeutics is hindered by potential systemic cytotoxicity.

Conclusions:

  • TGF-β is a critical mediator in fibrosis and cancer development.
  • Targeting TGF-β pathways holds therapeutic promise but requires careful consideration of side effects.
  • Further research is needed to overcome the challenges in developing safe and effective TGF-β-targeting drugs.
Keywords:
TGF-βTGF-β signaling pathwaysTargeted therapies

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