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Updated: Sep 17, 2025

Studying TGF-β Signaling and TGF-β-induced Epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer and Normal Cells
Published on: October 27, 2020
Transforming Growth Factor-β Pathway: Biological Functions and Therapeutic Targets
Reham Hassan Mekky1, Mohammed E Abo-El Fetoh2, Safaa A Faheem2
1Department of Pharmacognosy Faculty of Pharmacy Egyptian Russian University Badr City Cairo Egypt.
Natural compounds show promise in cancer treatment by targeting the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) pathway. These natural products modulate TGF-β signaling, offering potential complementary therapies to improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cancer progression involves aberrant cell growth and metastasis, often influenced by the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) pathway.
- The TGF-β pathway plays a dual role in cancer, initially suppressing tumors but later promoting progression and metastasis.
- Natural compounds offer potential therapeutic strategies due to their bioactivities and low toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the therapeutic potential of natural products in modulating TGF-β signaling for anticancer effects.
- To evaluate preclinical and clinical studies on natural products' impact on TGF-β and cancer progression.
- To explore natural compounds as complementary cancer therapies targeting the TGF-β pathway.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
- Assessment of natural products' effects on TGF-β modulation.
- Analysis of impacts on cancer hallmarks like proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis.
Main Results:
- Natural compounds, including ginsenosides, halofuginone, and epigallocatechin gallate, modulate TGF-β signaling.
- These compounds exhibit significant anticancer activity by influencing cell proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis.
- Plant-derived natural products impact TGF-β signaling pathways crucial for cancer development.
Conclusions:
- Natural products demonstrate potential as complementary cancer therapies by targeting TGF-β signaling.
- Modulating TGF-β with natural compounds may improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
- Further research and clinical evaluation are needed to integrate natural products into conventional cancer treatment.
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